Birds Bufflehead drake in flight

[Merlinator]

Went to a local pond not far from home and almost got a shot I've been after for a while. While not perfect I think these are my best shots of this small duck.

 

[Unframed Dave]

What does the name refer to?

 

[iamdlewis]

What does the name refer to?

Drake = male
Hen = female

 

[Unframed Dave]

Drake = male
Hen = female

Thanks, it was the buffelhead part I was querying.

 

[THXGEEK]

What a strange coincidence!

...my middle name is 'Bufflehead'.

 

[iamdlewis]

Thanks, it was the buffelhead part I was querying.

It is best to just accept the bird names rather than to try and understand them.
Examples:
Why are these birds call Hook-billed Hermit and Bronzy Hermit when they clearing should trade names?
White-necked Jacobin has no part of its neck white in color variation this bird comes in.
Common Scoter has more black and is found in fewer regions than the Black Scoter.
Ring-necked Duck is the only duck in the world that has a white ring that circles the bill but it is named after the nearly invisible brown ring on its neck.
Why is any bird named "Common" because there is going to be someplace in which they are not?

 

[Unframed Dave]

I have a curious disposition.