bufflehead
Definition
Noun: 1. A small North American diving duck: A bufflehead is a species of small sea duck (Bucephala albeola) native to North America. It is known for its diving behavior to feed. 2. Characteristic head plumage of the male: The male bufflehead is particularly noted for its distinctive, puffy, and iridescent head feathers, which appear bushy or large in proportion to its body.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- We spotted a pair of buffleheads on the lake this morning.
- The male bufflehead is easily identified by its striking white head patch.
- Buffleheads are migratory and often winter on coastal bays.
Advanced Usage
- As a subject of study: The term is used in ornithology, birdwatching, and conservation contexts.
- The research paper focused on the breeding habits of the bufflehead.
Variants and Related Words
- Buffleheaded (adj, archaic): An obsolete term meaning stupid or foolish, derived from an old sense of "buffalo-head," but not directly related to the modern ornithological term.
- Diving duck (n): The general category to which the bufflehead belongs.
Synonyms
- Butterball (n, informal): A common nickname for this duck, referring to its plump shape.
- Dipper (n, regional): A less common regional name for diving ducks.
Related Phrases & Idioms
- None directly associated: There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that use the specific word "bufflehead."
Noun
-
small North American diving duck; males have bushy head plumage
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