Bucephala albeola

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Bufflehead
French : Petit garrot, Garrot albéole

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a length of 40 cm for a weight of 600 g. Male is white with black wings, grey bill, black head with purple and green iridescence, white nape and sides of head. Female is duller grey and brown on head. Unmistakable.

Range and habitat
This species breeds from Alaska to most of central Canada. Winters in most of USA and north Mexico. Isolated populations in western USA. Lives in shallow lakes and pools with little vegetation, near forests or coastlines.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species remains common and its populations have increased in recent times. Vulnerable to pollution, hunting, climate and habitat changes.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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