Bufflehead

Scientific name: Bucephala albeola

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Small compact duck with distinctive head shape. Males show iridescent green-black head with prominent white cheek patch and white body; females are grey-brown with smaller white cheek marking. Clear sexual dimorphism.

Size and weight

Males 330–453 g, females 280–370 g; body length 30–39 cm.

Habitat

Shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers with clear water and emergent vegetation. Prefers areas with adequate aquatic plant growth and open water for diving.

Distribution

North American species breeding across northern boreal and temperate zones; winters in open water throughout southern Canada and northern United States. Migrant populations utilize coastal and inland waters.

Diet

Primarily aquatic invertebrates (chironomid larvae, amphipods, isopods) and aquatic vegetation; diet shifts seasonally toward plant material in winter months.

Behaviour

Highly active and alert during daylight hours, diving frequently and remaining on water surface between dives. Pairs or small flocks; males are territorial during breeding. Swift and agile fliers.

Hunting tips

Glass water edges at dawn and dusk when birds actively feed in shallows. Read activity through repeated diving patterns and surface intervals. Approach from downwind using shoreline vegetation or floating cover; stalk slowly since small size and vigilance demand precision.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 2 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.