If a few BALDPATES mingle with other ducks, collecting food may go on safely for they are keen-eyed sentries, quick to take alarm and as swift to express the danger vocally. Baldpates exact a return for their vigilance and boldly seize food brot to the surface by more energetic companions. Coots, Redheads, Black Ducks, Mallards all contribute their share for protection. I never have seen Baldpates associated with the Mergansers, probably because the latter live on fish and the former are almost exclusively vegetarians.
Baldpates do not seem to fly in Vs but always in small flocks and usually mingling with other species. When sunlight gleams on the males' white heads there is no difficulty in noting Baldpates altho they may be only tiny dots in the distance.
North America. Breeds in western part of its range.