Based on 19,997 research-grade iNaturalist observations in California, Bufflehead is most often recorded in January; in California it behaves like a winter visitor. It ranks #55 among birds recorded in the state in our data.
Bucephala albeola
Bufflehead in California by month
Bars show research-grade observations per month. They mix true seasonality with how often people are outdoors, so treat small numbers with caution.
Also seen in California in January
Red-tailed Hawk
White-crowned Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Anna's Hummingbird
American Coot
Black Phoebe
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Places to look in California
Botanical GardenThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
State ParkHearst Castle
Botanical GardenSan Francisco Botanical Garden
State ParkAnza-Borrego Desert State Park
National ForestAngeles National Forest
National ForestSequoia National Forest
FAQ
When does Bufflehead appear in California?
Mainly November–March, with the most records in January.
How common is Bufflehead in California?
It ranks #55 by number of iNaturalist observations among birds in California (19,997 records in our sample).