Bufflehead - Anatidae Bucephala albeola
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Female Bufflehead



Photo Details
1. male - February 15, 2004 - Antelope Island Causeway, Davis County, Utah - 2. Female -  December 24, 2003 - Framington Bay, Davis County, Utah - ©NJDavis

Description
L 13.5 WS 21, Male-White body and back of head.  Female distinctive oval white patch on head, Dark brown to black back, Small gray bill

Other
Lives on shallow inland saline lakes in the summer and on coastal flats in winters.Aggressive in breeding colonies and will dive-bomb intruders. One of their main concentrations in the summer is at Great Sale Lake.  Feeds by thrusting bill underwater and swinging from side to side checking for fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects.  Also eats seeds.  Lays 4 dark-spotted olive eggs in a shallow depression with little lining in the open on a mudflat, marsh or beach.  If water rises they build nest up with sticks and weeds.

Utah Seasonal Distribution Map
click for range map color key

Utah Distribution Map

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