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What is a Bufflehead?
 With an unusual name such as “Buffleheads,” it's not surprising that many people ask us what it means. The short answer is, “It's a duck.” Here's more information:
The Bufflehead is the smallest diving or sea duck in North America. The name buffalo head or "bufflehead" is a direct reference to the duck's large-headed appearance. These ducks are strikingly beautiful. The male is black and white with a large white patch extending from the eye to the back of the head.
 The Bufflehead nests, which are lined with the downy feathers from the chest of the female, are almost exclusively in holes excavated by Northern Flickers and, on occasion, by Pileated Woodpeckers.
Unlike most ducks, the Bufflehead is mostly monogamous, often remaining with the same mate for several years.
The Bufflehead is a diver and unlike other diving ducks can take flight from water without having to run along the surface.
Buffleheads live by lakes, rivers and bays. Most breed in the northwestern part of North America. As winter nears, Buffleheads migrate to coastal water on the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts as far south as Mazatlan.
If you’re at Buffleheads in the fall or early spring, keep your eyes open for this most beautiful duck!
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