Bufflehead Duck - Duck Hunting - Wetland Hunting
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Description
Buffleheads are very small ducks with compact bodies. Their large rounded heads have short, wide bills that help them dive underwater to catch aquatic invertebrates. Both males and females measure between 32 to 40 cm in length, weigh 272 to 635g and have a wingspan of 55cm.
What is the color pattern of bufflehead duck?
An adult male has a white body, black back, and a dark head that has a white patch that wraps around the back of his head. The first-year males and females are gray-brown with a white cheek patch. While flying, the adult males display a large white patch on their upper wing while females and first-year males display a smaller white patch on their wings.
Habitat
Buffleheads are widespread during migration and winter as they occupy coastal regions and large water bodies e.g. shallow saltwater bays. You can also find these birds around small lakes, in rivers, ponds, wetlands, estuaries, lakes and slow-moving rivers.
Diet
These birds forage underwater, especially when living in shallow waters. Although seasons and habitat determine the type of diet, bufflehead ducks feed on aquatic insects in summer or while occupying freshwater habitats. However, while in the ocean, these game birds feed on crustaceans to derive proteins. In winter, these birds feed on mollusks (mostly snails) and plant material during fall. The season determines the availability of food and hence the diet of bufflehead ducks from time to time.
Nesting
Although pairs are formed during the spring season, males start their courtship displays in early winter. Some male courtship displays include wing lifting, head bobbing and short display flights while fully raising their crest feathers.
The females choose a nest site in a tree cavity, especially in old flicker holes. The nest site is mainly 2 to 10' although the nest site can be up to 50' above the ground. After being lined with nest material, the nest is ready and the site can be used for several years. At times, bufflehead ducks can use nest boxes to incubate.
Eggs
The number of eggs ranges from 8 to 10 although some females can lay 6 – 12 eggs. The eggs range from cream to pale buff and they are incubated by the female ducks only for 29 to 31 days. After 1 to 2 days of hatching, the young ones leave the nest being led by the female to look for food and water. Although the young are tendered by females, they make their first flight after 50 to 55 days. At times, 2 broods or young ones separated from one brood may join to fend for themselves.
