Bufflehead ducks are a small species of diving duck that are found across North America. They are one of the smallest diving ducks, with the male having an iridescent plumage and large white patch on the back of his head. Buffleheads get their name from the old Dutch word “buffel” meaning buffalo, likely referring to their large head in proportion to their body. Here we’ll explore where these striking little ducks are most commonly found across their range.
Breeding Range and Habitat
During the breeding season, bufflehead ducks are found primarily in Canada and Alaska, as well as in the northern United States including the Pacific Northwest, upper Midwest, and New England regions. They nest near ponds, lakes, and slow moving rivers surrounded by forests. Buffleheads make their nests in tree cavities, often old woodpecker holes, near the water. They are one of the few duck species that use tree cavities for nesting.
Some key facts about the bufflehead breeding range and habitat:
- Breed across southern Canada and Alaska
- Found in northern U.S. states including Pacific Northwest, upper Midwest, and New England
- Nest near ponds, lakes, and slow rivers surrounded by woods
- Nest in tree cavities such as old woodpecker holes
Buffleheads can be found nesting anywhere from sea level up to about 3,000 feet in elevation. They prefer to breed on small lakes and ponds that are sheltered with plenty of tree cover around the water. This gives them protection and access to nesting cavities.
Key Breeding States and Provinces
Some areas where bufflehead ducks are commonly found during breeding season in the U.S. and Canada include:
- Alaska
- Oregon
- Minnesota
- Maine
- Wisconsin
- New York
- Michigan
- Southern Ontario
- Southern Quebec
- Southwest British Columbia
These northern states and provinces provide ideal bufflehead habitat with many lakes, ponds, and rivers surrounded by boreal forests that buffleheads rely on for nesting and raising young.
Wintering Range
During the winter months, bufflehead ducks are found mainly along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America. Their winter range reaches as far south as Mexico. Some key facts about bufflehead wintering range include:
- Found along Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida
- Pacific coast from southern Alaska to Mexico
- Most abundant along Puget Sound and San Francisco Bay
- Favor sheltered saltwater bays, estuaries, and freshwater lakes
Buffleheads are highly migratory and travel long distances between their northern breeding grounds and southern coastal wintering areas. They migrate primarily at night in large compact flocks of up to 100 birds.
Key Wintering States
Some of the key U.S. states where bufflehead ducks are found during winter months include:
- California
- Oregon
- Washington
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Florida
- Texas
These states offer prime bufflehead habitat along their coasts, with sheltered bays, estuaries, and coastal lakes for the ducks to forage in during winter.
Population and Conservation Status
Bufflehead ducks have an estimated global population of about 1.1 million individuals. Their numbers are considered stable currently and the species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Some key population stats include:
- Global population estimate: 1.1 million
- North American population: ~1 million
- Trend: Stable
- IUCN status: Least concern
While still relatively common, bufflehead ducks do face threats particularly from habitat loss and nest site competition. Protecting wetland habitats and leaving dead trees standing for nesting cavities will help conserve bufflehead populations.
Year-Round Range
In addition to their core breeding and wintering ranges, bufflehead ducks can be found year-round across much of the continental United States and southern Canada, though they are less abundant outside migration periods. Here is an overview of their year-round range.
| Region | Areas Found Year-Round |
|---|---|
| Northeast | Small numbers remain along Atlantic coast and Great Lakes |
| Southeast | Coastal areas from Virginia to Florida |
| Midwest | Near Great Lakes and major rivers |
| West | Pacific Coast, Rocky Mountains, and interior west |
| Canada | British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, inland lakes and rivers |
Buffleheads can be spotted year-round across most of the U.S. except for the southern plains. They are most widespread during migration periods in spring and fall when they move between coastal wintering areas and northern breeding grounds.
Preferred Habitat and Diet
Bufflehead ducks have some specific habitat requirements and dietary preferences that influence their range and distribution. Here is an overview of their typical habitats and food sources:
Habitats
- Nest near lakes, ponds, and slow rivers surrounded by woodlands
- Forage on sheltered inland lakes during migration
- Winter on estuaries, bays, coastal lakes, and rivers
- Require nest cavities in trees near water sources
Access to fish populations is critical as buffleheads rarely leave water and almost entirely feed on small fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Diet
- Mainly eat insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish
- Feed heavily on larvae of caddisflies, midges, and other aquatic invertebrates
- Consume small minnows, sticklebacks, and other forage fish
- Dive underwater up to 20 feet to find food
A protein-rich diet mainly of animal matter allows buffleheads to maintain their high-energy lifestyle. Their agile flying and diving abilities allow them to exploit small fish and invertebrates.
Migration Routes and Timing
Buffleheads undergo seasonal migrations covering thousands of miles between their breeding areas in northern North America and wintering grounds along the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts. Here are some key facts about their migration patterns:
- Migrate primarily at night in large compact flocks
- Spring migration from March to late May
- Fall migration from September to December
- Fly at speeds up to 55 mph during migration
- Males precede females by 1-2 weeks in spring
- Juveniles migrate south later in fall
Their ability to fly swiftly for prolonged periods allows buffleheads to migrate long distances very efficiently. Males arriving early on the breeding grounds helps them establish optimal territories.
Major Flyways
There are four primary flyways used by buffleheads during migration in North America:
- Atlantic Flyway – Along Atlantic coast between breeding and wintering areas
- Mississippi Flyway – Follows Mississippi River valley from central Canada to Gulf of Mexico
- Central Flyway – Between prairie breeding grounds and Gulf coast over Great Plains
- Pacific Flyway – Along Pacific coast from Alaska to Mexico
These major migratory routes allow buffleheads to move efficiently between their core habitats. The flyways provide plentiful stopover sites to rest and feed during their long journeys.
Appearance and Identification
Buffleheads are small diving ducks with colorful and distinct plumage. Here are some tips for identifying them:
- Very small, about the size of a teal
- Males have large white patch on back of head
- Iridescent plumage with purple, green, buff, and black
- Females are gray-brown with white cheek patch
- Compact body profile when swimming and in flight
- Swift direct flight close to water surface
The male bufflehead’s striking black and white head pattern makes them unmistakable during the breeding season. Females can be confused with some other diving ducks, but are identified by their tiny size and cheek patch.
Male vs Female
There are distinct plumage differences between male and female buffleheads:
| Males | Females |
|---|---|
| White patch on back of head | Small white cheek patch |
| Iridescent purple, green, buff plumage | Gray-brown plumage |
| Black back and tail | Pale gray tail |
The male’s striking plumage likely helps attract females during courtship. The more cryptic gray-brown female plumage provides camouflage while incubating eggs.
Similar Species
Buffleheads could potentially be confused with the following species:
- Hooded merganser – larger with fan-shaped head crest
- Common goldeneye – larger with rounder head profile
- Barrow’s goldeneye – larger with crescent-shaped facial patch
- Ruddy duck – stockier with stiff tail and all-brown coloring
The bufflehead’s tiny size, striking head pattern, and swift compact flying style help distinguish it from these other diving ducks it may associate with.
Interesting Facts
Here are a few interesting and unique facts about the bufflehead duck:
- One of the smallest diving ducks in North America
- Highly aggressive males defend breeding territories from other ducks
- Female buffleheads lay eggs in other ducks’ nests, especially wood ducks
- Ducklings can dive underwater on first day after hatching
- Northern populations migrate south in massive flocks of 100+ birds
- Nest boxes can help provide artificial nesting sites
- Male skeleton makes up only about 9% of total body weight
From their tiny yet tough nature, brood parasitism breeding habits, and marathon migrations, buffleheads demonstrate some truly fascinating adaptations and behaviors.
Conclusion
In summary, bufflehead ducks can be found across much of northern North America during the breeding season, migrating along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to winter as far south as Mexico. Their preferred habitats include forest-lined lakes and coastlines that provide food, nesting sites, and shelter. Buffleheads form massive migratory flocks each spring and fall as they travel between their core breeding and wintering grounds. Their distinctive appearance and behaviors make them a favorite small diving duck among birdwatchers and waterfowl enthusiasts across their range.
