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These distinctively shaped, large-headed ducks dive for their food, eating mostly aquatic invertebrates and fish. They nest in tree cavities in the boreal forest of Canada and Alaska; look for them on large rivers, lakes, and Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts in winter.
The common goldeneye has a wingspan of 77–83 cm (30–33 in). The species is named for its golden-yellow eyes. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly.
These distinctively shaped, large-headed ducks dive for their food, eating mostly aquatic invertebrates and fish. They nest in tree cavities in the boreal forest of Canada and Alaska; look for them on large rivers, lakes, and Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts in winter.
Audubon’s scientists have used 140 million bird observations and sophisticated climate models to project how climate change will affect the range of the Common Goldeneye. Learn even more in our Audubon’s Survival By Degrees project.
Learn more about Common Goldeneye from…. A striking medium-sized duck. Widespread across much of North America, Europe, and Asia, where it is found in a variety of wetland habitats. Breeds on lakes, ponds, and marshes, and winters on inland lakes and rivers or coastal bays and nearshore waters.
Common Goldeneyes are compact, fast-flying ducks that reach speeds of over 40 miles an hour. In flight their wings make a distinctive whistling noise. Unlike many diving ducks, they only need to run or “patter” a short 3 to 6 feet across the water before taking off.
Common Goldeneyes are hunted across Canada, with the largest numbers traditionally taken in eastern Canada. The total number of Common Goldeneyes taken in Canada has been decreasing since the 1980s concurrently with the decline in waterfowl hunters.
Mar 21, 2024 · Common Goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula) are striking diving ducks. Males are characterized by black-and-white plumage, distinctive yellow eyes, and an iridescent green head, whereas females are gray with a brown head.
Common goldeneyes are found across Canada and the northern United States, Scotland, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, and northern Russia. They are migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes.
Apr 4, 2023 · The Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) is a medium-sized duck that calls parts of North America and Europe home. Males have dark heads with bright yellow eyes, black wings with white patches and grayish-brown bodies. Females are similar but have brown heads instead of black ones.
