Range.—Breeds in the interior of Minnesota northwards; winters throughout the United States.
BUFFLE-HEAD
153. Charitonetta albeola. 14 in.
Head iridescent with green, purple and blue, and with a large white patch extending from eye to eye, across the back of the puffy crest. Female with a white patch on either side of her brownish head; speculum white. They are known by a great variety of names such as “Butter Ball,” “Spirit Duck,” “Dipper,” etc., the majority of which refer to the celerity with which they can disappear under the water. They are always on the alert and will dive at the flash of a gun. They are able to continue incessant diving for a long period and can remain under water for a long time. Their flight is very rapid, and when alighting in the water they make considerable splash, but can take wing from it easier than the majority of ducks.
Notes.—A single guttural croak.
Nest.—In hollow trees; eggs greenish gray (2.00 × 1.40); June.
Range.—Breeds from the northern boundary of the U. S. northward; winters throughout the U. S.
