This bird is easy to see and identify from a distance due to its large, white marking.
Recently I was crossing over a river and noticed Buffleheads. They are the smallest diving duck in N.A. and fast fliers with rapid wingbeats. ID: 33-38cm/12.5-15.5”, chubby duck; short grey bill; short neck. Buffleheads have a large head in comparison to a small body. The sloped forehead is reminiscent of a buffalo’s head. Males are very dramatic with a large, triangular, white patch on the back of the head. Breast and flanks are white. Front of head and neck has iridescent green and purple gloss. Back is black. Females are gray/brown with white cheek patch. In flight: Male shows large white wing patch. Takes off without running along the water surface.
Status: from October to May. Summers spent in north. Lifespan: up to 15 years. Habitat: on open water of lakes, ponds and rivers in winter. They mingle with dozens of species of waterfowl in large numbers. Prefers poplar trees for breeding, which is of concern when such trees are cleared for agriculture and forestry. It is believed 90 per cent of the population breeds in Manitoba and west.
Feeding: dives for small fish, insects, seeds, invertebrates, mollusks and crustaceans. Voice: Growls and squeals are made by male during courtship. Nesting: Aggressive courtship begins in January. They are paired when they reach the breeding site and start nesting soon after.
Status: “one of the scarcest ducks in N.A.” or “stable overall”.
Resources: Bird books: Birds of Ontario, DK, Stokes, Golden, Peterson, Lorimer, Alberta and Audubon bird guides.