Are There Buffleheads in Maryland?
Yes, Buffleheads are common winter visitors to Maryland, with the largest concentrations appearing on Chesapeake Bay. These small diving ducks arrive in October and November, remaining through March in most areas. Peak numbers occur from December through February on open water, bays, and major river systems. Buffleheads also frequent inland lakes and reservoirs throughout the [/wildlife/maryland](/wildlife/maryland) region.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.
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Yes, buffleheads are in Maryland. Next you'll want:
Yes, Buffleheads are common winter visitors to Maryland, with the largest concentrations appearing on Chesapeake Bay. These small diving ducks arrive in October and November, remaining through March in most areas. Peak numbers occur from December through February on open water, bays, and major river systems. Buffleheads also frequent inland lakes and reservoirs throughout the/wildlife/marylandregion.
Where Buffleheads are found in Maryland
Chesapeake Bay is by far the primary location for finding Buffleheads in Maryland, with large flocks concentrated in its deeper waters and protected coves. The bay's vast size provides abundant habitat for wintering ducks throughout its length. Upper Chesapeake Bay areas near Baltimore and Annapolis hold significant populations, as do middle bay regions around the Eastern Shore. Lower Chesapeake Bay near Virginia's border offers additional wintering habitat. Coastal areas including Assawoman Bay on the Atlantic coast also support Buffleheads, though populations are smaller than on the bay. Inland locations include major reservoirs like Prettyboy Reservoir, Loch Raven Reservoir, and Rocky Gap Lake. The Potomac River from the Maryland-Virginia border northward provides migration and winter habitat. Smaller lakes and ponds scattered throughout central and western Maryland attract migrating Buffleheads during spring and fall movements. Seethe Bufflehead guide for Marylandfor more.
Season and timing in Maryland
Buffleheads begin arriving in Maryland during September, with numbers increasing through October and November. The population peaks from December through February when ice covers inland lakes and northern areas, concentrating birds on Chesapeake Bay. March and April see departures as Buffleheads return to northern breeding grounds. Occasionally, a few birds remain into May on Chesapeake Bay, though these are non-breeding stragglers. Timing varies annually based on weather conditions and the severity of northern winters. Unusually cold winters can cause additional birds to arrive seeking open water, while mild winters may result in fewer Buffleheads remaining. Spring migration is typically more prolonged than fall, as birds depart gradually rather than in sudden waves. Understanding these seasonal patterns helps birders and wildlife observers plan their viewing trips effectively. Seethe Maryland wildlife guidefor more.
How to identify a Bufflehead
Buffleheads are Maryland's smallest diving duck species, averaging 13 to 15 inches in length. Males display a striking black head with a large white patch extending from the back of the crown down to the lower face, creating a distinctive puffy appearance. The male's back is black, contrasting sharply with white underparts and flanks. Females are smaller and duller, appearing brownish-gray with a much smaller white patch on the face behind and below the eye. Both sexes have short necks and disproportionately large, rounded heads relative to their body size. The eyes are dark and beady, set high on the head. In flight, white patches become visible on the wings and belly. On the water, Buffleheads sit relatively low and alert, often appearing as small silhouettes at distance. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.
Where sightings concentrate in Maryland
Chesapeake Bay offers the most reliable Bufflehead viewing in Maryland. Protected coves and shallow bays within the larger system concentrate birds in specific areas. The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore provides waterfront access to Upper Chesapeake Bay populations. Sandy Point State Park at the northern tip of the bay offers excellent viewing opportunities with public facilities. Point Lookout State Park at the bay's southern tip also hosts regular Bufflehead flocks. Along the Eastern Shore, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge provides viewing platforms and trails overlooking open water habitat. Interior lakes like/wildlife/maryland/buffleheadpages indicate Prettyboy Reservoir near Baltimore has consistent winter populations. Loch Raven Reservoir also attracts Buffleheads during freeze-thaw cycles. Visiting the main/wildlifehub can help locate additional public access areas for safe observation.
Typical behavior of Buffleheads
Buffleheads are highly active and energetic diving ducks that rarely remain stationary for extended periods. They feed by diving beneath the surface, typically reaching depths of 10 to 20 feet to forage for small fish and aquatic invertebrates. Their small size allows them extraordinary agility underwater, enabling quick direction changes to pursue darting prey. These ducks spend nearly all their time on water and rarely come ashore. They are extremely vocal, with males producing distinctive squeaky calls and females responding with lower pitched sounds. Buffleheads typically occur in small flocks of 5 to 30 birds, though groups may merge on Chesapeake Bay. Their flight is swift and direct with rapid wing beats creating a whistling sound. They are naturally wary and alert, diving or flying away when disturbed by approaching boats or people.
Coexistence and safety notes
Buffleheads are fully protected under federal law via the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Hunting Buffleheads is prohibited in Maryland and throughout their range. Observe these ducks from a distance with binoculars or telephoto lenses rather than attempting close approaches. Boaters should reduce speed and avoid direct approaches to Bufflehead flocks, as repeated disturbance forces these small ducks to expend valuable energy needed for winter survival. Buffleheads present no threat to humans and do not compete with recreational or commercial fisheries due to their small size and food preferences. They do not eat significant plant material from aquatic vegetation and pose no agricultural concerns. Lead ammunition and fishing sinkers killed by waterfowl ingestion are threats to Buffleheads and other diving ducks, so use non-toxic alternatives. Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts benefit Buffleheads by improving water quality and food availability.
Common species people confuse with Buffleheads
Hooded Mergansers are frequently confused with Buffleheads in Maryland, though they are noticeably larger with thinner, serrated bills. Male Hooded Mergansers display a large white crest rather than a white patch and have rufous sides. Barrow's Goldeneyes occasionally appear in Maryland and closely resemble Buffleheads but are significantly larger with a different head shape and a white crescent on the male's face. Common Goldeneyes are also larger than Buffleheads, with rounder heads and lacking the distinctive white patch pattern. Pied-billed Grebes might cause confusion at distance but have stubby bills and more compact body shapes. Ruddy Ducks are smaller and have stocky builds with stiff tails, not the puffy head of a Bufflehead. Carefully observing size, head pattern, bill shape, and body proportions helps distinguish Buffleheads from these similar waterfowl species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are Buffleheads most common on Chesapeake Bay in Maryland? A: The bay's size and depth provide abundant open water and food sources for winter survival. Q: Do Buffleheads breed anywhere in Maryland? A: No, Buffleheads breed only in northern Canada and Alaska. Maryland sees them exclusively during migration and winter. Q: How fast do Buffleheads fly? A: These small ducks are remarkably fast fliers, reaching speeds of 50 miles per hour or more despite their tiny size. Q: What do Buffleheads eat in Chesapeake Bay? A: They primarily eat small fish and aquatic invertebrates obtained by diving beneath the surface.
Plan your bufflehead sighting in Maryland
155,704 verified bufflehead records have been logged in Maryland, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Assateague Island National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Assateague Island National Seashore (please use more specific location) · 356 species recorded
- Sandy Point State Park · 311 species recorded
- Point Lookout State Park · 310 species recorded
- Hart-Miller Island · 309 species recorded
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge · 306 species recorded
- Assateague State Park · 302 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent bufflehead sightings
- Poplar Island (access by guided tour only) · 2026-07-10 07:25 · 1 seen
- canton waterfront park · 2026-07-07 18:39 · 1 seen
- Masonville Cove · 2026-07-06 09:27 · 1 seen
- Hanover Street Wetlands · 2026-06-26 14:50 · 1 seen
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