Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)

These small ducks take care of each other; one of a group stands guard while the others dive for food.

Distribution:

The bufflehead breeds from Alaska to the United States prairies, and from British Columbia to eastern Quebec. There is a small breeding population on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Winter migrants inhabit the east and west coasts of North America, as well as much of the United States interior and Mexico.

Breeding occurs in freshwater environments. For a complete species account, visit the Great Lakes section.