Bufflehead Back Wing Stretch
by Jean Noren
Title
Bufflehead Back Wing Stretch
Artist
Jean Noren
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The Bufflehead is one of the smallest ducks. It 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. This duck is less sociable than most ducks, and is almost never seen in large flocks. The name "Bufflehead" is derived from "buffalo-head," for the male's odd puffy head shape.
It forages mostly underwater and its diet varies with the season and habitat. In summer and on fresh water it feeds mainly on aquatic insects, in the ocean it feeds mainly on crustaceans. It also eats many mollusks (especially snails) in winter, and small amounts of plant material in fall.
Males begin courtship displays by early winter, but most pairs form in spring. Displays of male include head-bobbing, wing-lifting, and short display flights, most with crest feathers fully raised. Nest site, chosen by female, is in tree cavity (especially old flicker holes), usually 2-10' above ground, sometimes up to 50'. Sometimes uses nest boxes. Same site may be used for several years. Lining of down is only nest material.
This one was alone so not trying to impressive a female. I suspect he was just stretching his wings.
Uploaded
March 21st, 2021
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Viewed 376 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/22/2024 at 11:30 AM
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