The Bucephala albeola, also known by it’s more common name, Bufflehead, is a small sea duck that is most commonly found in Polk County during the late fall/ early winter months, given that they migrate south to large bodies of water. Buffleheads prefer shallow, saltwater bays, because it’s easier for them to catch food; to get food, they forage underwater and feed mostly on crustaceans and mollusks, making them the smallest diving duck. Although these birds are aquatic, they need a forest like ecosystem, such as Crystal River/ Kings Bay, to thrive because they nest in tree cavities. Their small size makes them able to successfully live in holes made by another bird known as Northern Flickers. Unlike most ducks, Buffleheads tend to stay with the same mate for several …show more content…
Most all of their duties are performed on the water. They alternate between sleeping, feeding, alert swimming and preening. Because of the birds puffy looking body, they appear to be buoyant while swimming. When underwater, the Bufflehead tends to keep their wings close to their bodies and only use their feet to push forward then usually bob back to the surface like a cork. When getting ready to take flight, they run on water; the Bufflehead needs less run time than other diving ducks because of their low wing-loading. During mating season, the Bufflehead is noted to be aggressive, often chasing any other bird and their mate away from the nest. They also may thrash their wings or bother other birds whilst underwater. There was an incident recorded telling of a nest competitor, a Barrows goldeneye, killing a female Bufflehead and her young. Other nest competitors include minks and weasels, who have been known to kill the duck on site. Black bears may also ruin a nest while foraging for food. Some of the known predators of Buffleheads include the snowy owl, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, and the great horned