Bufflehead

Recently we've been seeing a few buffleheads on Corte Madera Creek.  They are migratory and most of them winter in protected coastal waters, or open inland waters, on the east and west coasts of North America and the southern US.  This is why we are seeing them here in California just now.

The Bufflehead is the smallest diving or sea duck in North America. The name buffalo head or "bufflehead" is a direct reference to the duck's large-headed appearance. These ducks are strikingly beautiful. The male is black and white with a large white patch extending from the eye to the back of the head. The female is dark brown above, paler below and has a small white cheek patch. The male is slightly larger than the female.

The Bufflehead is a diver and unlike other diving ducks can take flight from water without having to run along the surface. Buffleheads typically eat aquatic insects, snails, crustaceans and aquatic plants. Buffleheads usually are seen in small groups. As one or two feed, the others will stand watch for potential danger.