Female Bufflehead is a photograph by Bryan Keil which was uploaded on April 4th, 2013.
Female Bufflehead
A buoyant, large-headed duck that abruptly vanishes and resurfaces as it feeds, the tiny Bufflehead spends winters bobbing in bays, estuaries,... more
by Bryan Keil
Title
Female Bufflehead
Artist
Bryan Keil
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
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. A closer look at the head shows glossy green and purple setting off the striking white patch. Females are a subdued gray-brown with a neat white patch on the cheek. Bufflehead nest in old woodpecker holes, particularly those made by Northern Flickers, in the forests of northern North America. Adult male Bufflehead has a white body, black back, and a dark head with a large white patch that wraps around the back of the head. Females and first-year males are gray-brown overall with an oval, white cheek patch. In-flight adult males have a large white patch on the upper wing; females and first-year males have a smaller white wing patch. Bufflehead is most widespread in migration and winter when they move south to coasts and large bodies of water, particularly shallow saltwater bays. They breed near lakes in northern forests where conifers mix with poplars or aspens. Bufflehead nest in tree cavities, especially old Northern Flicker holes.
Uploaded
April 4th, 2013