Bird Description

Widely distributed throughout on water bodies, but most concentrated in winter on coastal bays. Forms small, loose-knit flocks. Reminiscent of a little black-and-white rubber duck, bobbing up and down but often out of view. Brown females are less conspicuous. ID: Very small and squat with oversized head often punked-up at rear crown. Head darkest brown with obvious white cheek patch, distinctive at distance. Imms and adult females look the same in winter though in flight imm females often lack white on greater coverts. Males are striking. Beautiful iridescent head colors usually appear black. In flight, Bufflehead often appear as a blurry ball with wings.