Bufflehead

33-38 cm (13-15") Fairly common. Lakes, bays, ponds, rivers. Smallest duck in North America; Pigeon-sized. Unlike other diving ducks, this one may take off without running along the water surface.

Male: large, round, greenish-purple head with a large white patch from behind eye to back of head; short bill; white breast and sides; black back. In flight, white patch on dark head; white patch across back and wings.

Female: all dark grayish-brown with an elongated white dash behind eye; short bill. In flight, white patch on dark head; whitish below; small white patch at base of upper wing.

Song: hoarse whistle, soft quacks.

Play