Ducks, geese, and swans · Waterfowl
Common Goldeneye
Copied!
Bucephala clangula
Copied!
How to recognize it
-
Stocky diving duck with a big rounded-triangular head and short neck
-
Male: dark green-gloss head, round white cheek spot at the bill base
-
Female: brownish-grey, dark head, narrow white collar
-
In flight, shows a large white wing patch; wings give a clear whistling sound
About the species
The Common Goldeneye is a sturdy diving duck with a large head and a short neck. In breeding plumage, the male looks sharply black and white, while the female is softer and browner.
It usually keeps to pairs or small groups and has a very showy way of acting. In spring the drake performs lively displays, throwing his head back and splashing the water, and in flight the species is easy to notice by the clear, ringing sound of the wings.
For nesting it needs wooded lakes and quiet rivers with trees along the banks. It feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and dives for food, then moves in winter to unfrozen coastal inlets and larger waters; in most places it is a migratory duck.
Where to find
-
On unfrozen rivers, canals, and large ponds — especially at quiet bays and reed edges, where Common Goldeneye dives and pops up several meters away.
-
Near old hollow trees in mature parks or along embankments — close to water, with the drake often giving itself away by sudden head-throws and splashy courtship on open water.
-
In winter on shallow bays and broad reservoirs, especially by rocky shores or warm-water outfalls, where small groups gather.
-
In early spring on meltwater puddles and ice holes — watch for short diving spells and the bright whistling wingbeats in flight.
