(Charitonetta albeola)
The butter-ball, or buffle-head, is another common duck all over the
country. But where we have so many larger and better ducks they are
little sought for, and are generally considered poor shooting. Yet I
recall one occasion when with a friend I was shooting on a couple of
foothill ponds where many of these little ducks had congregated, they
furnished us with fine sport. The larger ducks were soon scared away,
but the little butter-balls would not leave. One of us was stationed
at each pond and we soon had them all in the air.
=Color=--Male--Head, greenish purple, with a strong metallic luster;
white patch running from the eye to the back of the head; feathers of
the head long, forming a crest; back, black; under parts white and a
broad white patch on the wing.
Female--The female is a very modestly colored bird to have so gaudy a
mate. Head and upper parts, a dark, dead brown; under parts, white;
speculum, white; a small, elongated white spot on the side of the
head.
=Nest and Eggs=--The nest is usually built on some elevation such as a
stump or log; some times in a tree. The eggs, numbering eight to ten,
are of a pale buff color.
=Measurements=--Total length, 11 to 12-1/2 inches; wing, about 6, and
bill, 1 inch.