Bufflehead

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Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola). 

Date of admission: April 17, 2026.
Reason for admission: Physical Injury.

Patient History:

The Bufflehead is the smallest diving duck in North America and one of the smallest duck species on the continent. The total population is estimated to be approximately 1.4 million individuals, with surveys indicating that the population has increased since the 1950s. Buffleheads are found throughout North America, breeding primarily in boreal forests and aspen parkland regions from British Columbia to eastern Quebec. Their core breeding range includes Alaska, the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and parts of northern Alberta and Saskatchewan. They typically nest in abandoned tree cavities, especially those created by Northern Flickers. During the winter months, Buffleheads migrate south and can be found along the Pacific Coast from the Aleutian Islands to Baja California, as well as along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts from New Brunswick to Florida. They are also commonly observed on inland lakes, rivers, and shallow coastal waters.

Buffleheads are diving ducks that primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates, including crustaceans and mollusks. They typically dive underwater to capture prey, often remaining submerged for several seconds before resurfacing. Their diet can also include plant material, particularly seeds from aquatic vegetation such as bulrushes and pondweeds, during the fall and winter months. Young ducklings initially feed at the water’s surface before developing their diving abilities. Adult male Buffleheads are strikingly coloured, with a white body, black back, and an iridescent dark head featuring a large white patch that extends behind the eye. Females and juvenile males are gray-brown with a smaller oval-shaped white cheek patch. Males also have a larger white wing patch compared to females and juveniles.

This spring, a Bufflehead was admitted into AIWC’s care after being found unable to fly. Radiographs revealed a carpometacarpus (CMC) fracture, a break in one of the bones of the bird’s wing that corresponds to the bones of the hand in humans. The injury also included an external wound near the fracture site. The wing was carefully stabilized with a splint and wrap to minimize movement and support proper alignment during healing.

After 25 days in care, the fracture had developed a stable callus, and the overlying wound had nearly healed with no signs of infection. The Bufflehead has since been gradually reintroduced to larger pools to encourage natural movement and build flight strength in preparation for release back into the wild. 

Thank you for supporting their recovery!