A black-and-white male bufflehead swimming. — Photo: Chuck Homler, Focus On Wildlife, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

North America's smallest diving duck, with a big round head; it nests in old woodpecker holes.

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About the Bufflehead

Buffleheads are the smallest diving ducks in North America, up to 15 inches long and about 1 pound. They are named for their large heads. They breed mostly in western and central Canada and spend winters along coasts from Alaska to Mexico and Newfoundland to Florida. They dive for food, eating insects in fresh water and crustaceans along the coast.^[1]

Quick facts

Scientific name: Bucephala albeola^[1]
Size: Up to 15 inches long; about 2-foot wingspan.^[1]
Weight: About 1 pound.^[1]
Lifespan: Average 2.5 years; up to 18 years.^[1]
Diet: Water insects in fresh water; crustaceans along coasts.^[1]
Habitat: Ponds and small lakes; coastal salt water in winter.^[1]
Where it lives: Breeds in western and central Canada; winters along North American coasts.^[1]
Group life: Pairs or small groups.^[1]
Babies: 8 to 10 eggs, incubated for about a month.^[1]
Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2021).^[2]

Fun facts

Buffleheads often nest in old northern flicker holes.^[1]
A whole small flock may dive at the same time.^[1]
Buffleheads migrate mostly at night.^[1]

Vocabulary

diving duck: A duck that dives underwater to find food.
cavity: A hole or hollow space, such as in a tree.
down: Soft, fluffy feathers close to a bird's skin.
migrate: To travel from one region to another with the seasons.
least concern: A conservation label meaning a species is widespread and not at risk of dying out soon.

See it in person

Smithsonian's National ZooWashington, D.C. · Bird HouseSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗

These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.

Sources

[1] Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. “Bufflehead.” https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/bufflehead (accessed 2026-10-08)
[2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Bucephala albeola (Bufflehead).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22680462/137784330 (accessed 2026-10-08)

Facts last checked 2026-10-08.

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