Related to the goldeneyes and, like them, nests in cavities; but unlike other hole-nesting ducks, the Bufflehead is small enough to use unmodified old nest holes of Northern Flickers, giving it a ready source of good nest sites.

A buoyant, large-headed duck that abruptly vanishes and resurfaces as it feeds, the tiny Bufflehead spends winters bobbing in bays, estuaries, reservoirs, and lakes. Males are striking black-and white from a distance.

Bufflehead nest in old woodpecker holes, particularly those made by Northern Flickers, in the forests of northern North America. During the winter, look for these tiny, black-and-white ducks in sheltered coves along the Atlantic or Pacific coast, or on inland ponds in southern North America.

The Bufflehead’s breeding range is limited by the distribution of Northern Flickers, which are their main source of nesting cavities. Bufflehead are North America’s smallest diving duck; they benefit by using old flicker nests that larger ducks such as goldeneyes and mergansers cannot fit into.

They nest in cavities in trees, primarily aspens or poplars, using mostly old flicker nests, close (usually < 25 m (82 ft)) to water. Nest competitors include mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides), tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), and European starling.

Oct 15, 2023 · During nesting season, Buffleheads prefer to find nest sites that are located in small wooded lakes and ponds in aspen groves or mixed (coniferous and deciduous) forests. Buffleheads are tree cavity nesters (or “hole-nesting”) ducks. Each year, the …

Buffleheads are one of the few duck species that almost exclusively use tree cavities for nesting. They are known for their fast and agile flight, capable of reaching speeds up to 50 mph. Buffleheads are among the last ducks to migrate south in the fall and among the first to head north in the spring.

Habitat, diet, feeding behavior, nesting, migration, and conservation status of this bird. Includes range map, photos, and calls. (From Audubon Field Guide) Geographic range, habitat, physical characteristics, reproduction, lifespan, behavior, communication, food habits, predation, ecosystem roles, and conservation status.

Picky Nester – Unlike other waterfowl, this species does not like to nest on the ground. Instead, they choose the nesting holes of other bird species. The vast majority of of these ducks use the nests of Northern Flickers to raise their young in. Small Species – This species of duck is one of the smallest in North America. They are tied ...

Jan 2, 2023 · It is also these three species of duck that compete with Buffleheads for the best cavities and hollows in trees to be used as nesting sites, despite the physical limitations of webbed feet and the preference of ducks to feed on ponds, lakes, rivers, and along seacoasts.