Goldeneye
Least ConcernBucephala clangula
Visual Identification
Goldeneye
Appearance
The Common Goldeneye is a striking medium-sized duck with a distinctive large, rounded head. Males have a dark green-black head with a circular white patch near the bill, contrasting with a white body and black back. The eyes are bright golden-yellow, giving the species its name.
Females are more subdued, with a chocolate-brown head, grey body, and white collar. Both sexes have a black bill, orange legs, and white wing patches visible in flight.
Once breeding is complete, male Goldeneyes molt into a basic plumage similar to the female, although the non-breeding male’s head is a darker shade of brown-black, and the bold wing patterning remains.
Juvenile Goldeneyes are similar to females and may be easily confused with non-breeding males. Immature birds lack the yellow bill tip seen in adult females, and their eyes are darker brown.
Size
Length
40cm to 51cm
Wingspan
65cm to 80cm
Weight
600g to 1.4kg
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Common Goldeneyes inhabit boreal forests near lakes, rivers, and coastal areas across North America, Europe, and Asia. They breed in taiga regions, nesting in tree cavities near water bodies.
During winter, they migrate to ice-free coastal areas and inland waters. They are common in North America along both coasts and the Great Lakes. In Europe, they winter along the Baltic and North Sea coasts and on large inland lakes.
Goldeneyes’ breeding territories within the US include much of inland Alaska, with an absence in the extreme coastal regions. They also breed in forested regions throughout Canada, mainly concentrated in the region from Labrador through central Ontario to British Columbia.
In winter, up to 21,000 individuals arrive across the UK from northern breeding territories in Scandinavia, and the best chances of a sighting are at lakes and sheltered bays in north and western England between August and March.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Common Goldeneyes are primarily carnivorous, feeding on aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and insect larvae. They also consume small fish and, occasionally, plant material. Their diet shifts seasonally, with more fish eaten in winter.
Goldeneyes dive to depths of up to 4 meters to forage on lake and river bottoms.
Behaviour
Common Goldeneyes are agile swimmers and expert divers, often submerging for 30-60 seconds to forage. They are known for their distinctive take-off, running along the water's surface before becoming airborne.
During courtship, males perform elaborate head-throwing displays accompanied by vocalizations.
Vocalisation
Common Goldeneyes are generally quiet, but males produce a distinctive 'pee-ep' call during courtship displays. Females make a low 'krrrr' sound.
The most noticeable sound associated with Goldeneyes is the whistling of their wings during flight, earning them the nickname 'whistler' among hunters and birdwatchers.
Nesting & Breeding
Goldeneyes form pairs during late winter and early spring. Males court females with elaborate head-tossing displays and vocalizations. Breeding occurs from April to June, depending on latitude.
Females select nest sites in tree cavities, often reusing the same site for multiple years. They lay 5-15 pale green eggs in a down-lined nest. Old woodpecker holes or nest boxes are commonly used.
Incubation lasts about 30 days and is performed solely by the female. Ducklings leave the nest within 24-36 hours of hatching, jumping from heights of up to 40 feet. They can fly after 55-65 days.
Lifespan
years
The Goldeneye typically lives for 10 to 15 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Common Goldeneye is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss, particularly the destruction of mature forests near water bodies where they nest. Climate change may also impact their breeding range and timing.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting habitats and maintaining water quality in their aquatic environments.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Goldeneyes on lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, especially during winter.
- Listen for the whistling sound of their wings during flight.
- Observe their diving behavior, as they frequently submerge for food.
- In North America, watch for them at wildlife refuges along major waterways.
- The UK’s breeding population of around 200 Goldeneye pairs is concentrated in the north-central Highlands of Scotland, where custom-made breeding boxes have been placed in trees to encourage nesting.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Common Goldeneye, Whistler
Family:
AnatidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Goldeneye ducklings leave the nest by jumping from great heights, sometimes over 40 feet, within a day of hatching.
- Their eyes appear golden due to a yellow-orange iris, which inspired their name.
- They can dive to depths of up to 4 meters and stay underwater for nearly a minute while foraging.
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References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Bucephala clangula. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22680455A132529366.
View source - 2 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International