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. These ducks nest in tree cavities, especially old flicker holes. May. She alone incubates the eggs for 28 to 33 days. The female and young finally are reunited with the males once the hatchlings learn to fly some seven to eight weeks after they hatch.