Ducks, geese, and swans · Waterfowl
Common Goldeneye
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Bucephala clangula
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How to recognize it
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Length 42–50 cm, stocky shape, large rounded head
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Adult male in breeding plumage: black head with green gloss and a round white spot below the eye
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Adult female: brown head, grey upperparts and white underparts; white wing patch
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In flight, the male's wingbeats make a clear whistling sound
About the species
A male Common Goldeneye has a dark, green-glossed head set against a bright white neck and belly, with a round white spot beside the bill and a dark back. His yellow eye is easy to pick out, and a white patch on each wing flashes when he takes off. Females are subtler, with a brown head, a narrow white collar, and a grey body over a white underside.
On the water, it dives rather than dabbling, spending much of its time searching below the surface. In courtship, the male gives a high, squealing call, and his wingbeats make a clear, ringing whistle in flight; the female answers with a rough "burr-burr".
It breeds on forest lakes and quiet rivers, nesting in tree cavities near water; the same cavity may be used year after year. Underwater, it picks up aquatic insects, crustaceans, and molluscs, with insects especially important during the nesting season. Most populations move south or west for winter, using sheltered coasts and large inland waters, while some in northwestern Europe stay year-round.
Where to find
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In early spring, while forest waters are still mostly ice-covered, watch common goldeneyes court on open leads and meltwater pools: males toss their heads back and splash.
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In small bays on large forest lakes and quiet taiga rivers with wooded banks, watch for dives in search of aquatic invertebrates on the bottom and among aquatic plants.
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In winter, watch for dives in search of molluscs and crustaceans in shallow sea bays and estuaries, or — in the southern part of the range — at large inland waters that remain unfrozen.
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In quiet settlements beside forest waters, where disturbance is low, look toward large trees and installed nest boxes — cavities may hold nests.
