Buffleheads

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of small diving duck characterized by a large head, short neck, and distinctive plumage often found in North America
2. Small aquatic birds known for their distinctive round heads and colorful feathers that inhabit freshwater lakes and rivers
3. A species of duck with a stocky body and striking coloration, commonly observed during migratory seasons in various wetlands

Etymology: The bufflehead is a small diving duck of North America, and its name is a compound of "buffle," an older form of "buffalo," and "head." The bird earned it from its large, rounded head, which looks outsized against its compact body. The name is a bit of a puzzle at first glance, since the duck has nothing to do with the bison or water buffalo, and the "buffalo" in the name refers only to the shape of the head. The plural "buffleheads" is simply the plural of "bufflehead," used when referring to more than one of the birds, such as a flock seen together on a lake or river.