Bufflehead

The structural color of the head is beautiful.

Scientific name	Bucephala albeola
English name	Bufflehead
Japanese name	Himehajiro
Classification	Aves
Classification details	Anseriformes Anatidae
Full length	32-39cm
Distribution	High latitudes of the North American continent. It rarely comes to Japan as a winter bird.

Characteristics

A duck with a beautiful structural color that stands out against its white body. Males have complex structural colors such as emerald green and purple from head to neck. The back of the head and belly are white, and the wings are black. The legs are light flesh colored.

Ecology

It rarely comes to Japan as a winter bird. It is a North American bird.

Mainly found in freshwater areas such as rivers and lakes. Dive underwater to catch and eat small animals.

Habitat

Tama River

I photographed an individual that flew into the Tama River. When not exposed to light, the head is black, but when exposed to sunlight, it appears green or purple.