94 
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,” ete., the ma- 
jority 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 (2.00x 
1.40) ; June. 
Range.—Breeds from the northern boundary of the 
U. S. northward; winters throughout the U.S. 
