Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola Oct–May

A diving duck with a large head in proportion to its compact body, the male of the species displays a prominent crisp white patch with the rest of the head appearing black. In the right lighting, the darker portion has a rainbow iridescence, combining a green, blue, and magenta sheen. The female is less dramatic in comparison, having a dark brown head with a white spot on the cheek. This duck is primarily found in North America, breeding in Canada and Alaska, while wintering in the US. They nest in existing holes made by woodpeckers, especially the Northern Flicker.