Common Goldeneye

About

The Common Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck known for its distinctive golden eyes and, in males, a prominent white spot at the base of the bill. It is a migratory species, breeding in northern forested regions and wintering on coastal waters and large inland lakes and rivers.

Size & lifespan

Length

40-51 cm (16-20 in)

Wingspan

65-80 cm (26-31 in)

Weight

800-1600 g (1.8-3.5 lbs)

Lifespan

Typically 10-12 years in the wild, with records up to 19 years.

Diet

Carnivore, primarily consuming aquatic invertebrates and small fish.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adult males have a striking iridescent green-black head with a circular white patch between the eye and the bill, a white neck, breast, and flanks, and a black back. The wings are black with a large white speculum. Adult females have a chocolate-brown head, a white collar, a grey body, and a white belly. Their wings are dark with a smaller white speculum. Juveniles resemble adult females but are duller with less distinct markings.

Beak shape

Short, triangular, and dark grey to black. Males have a black bill; females have a black bill with a yellow or orange band near the tip, especially during breeding season.

Eye color

Bright golden-yellow in adults, duller yellow or brownish in juveniles.

Leg color

Bright orange-yellow with dark webbing in both sexes.

Distinguishing features

The male's prominent white facial spot and golden eye are unmistakable. The female's brown head, white collar, and golden eye are key identifiers. Both sexes have a distinctive triangular head shape and a 'high-forehead' appearance.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adult females but have a duller brown head, less distinct white collar, and often a brownish eye. Their plumage is generally more mottled grey-brown.

Seasonal changes

Males retain their striking breeding plumage year-round, though the iridescence may be less pronounced outside of breeding season. Females show little seasonal change, though the bill coloration may vary slightly in intensity.

Sexual dimorphism

Highly sexually dimorphic. Males are much more boldly patterned with iridescent black-green head and white body, while females have a brown head and grey body.

How to identify

1. 1

   Male Head Pattern

   Look for the iridescent green-black head with a distinct, circular white spot between the eye and the bill. This is the most reliable field mark for males.

2. 2

   Female Head and Collar

   Identify females by their chocolate-brown head and a clear white collar separating the head from the grey body. The bill often shows a yellow or orange band.

3. 3

   Eye Color

   Both adult sexes have striking golden-yellow eyes, which are very noticeable, especially at close range.

4. 4

   Flight Sound

   Listen for the characteristic high-pitched whistling sound produced by their wings in flight, particularly from males. This can often identify them before visual confirmation.

5. 5

   Body Shape and Posture

   Observe their somewhat triangular head shape and 'high-forehead' profile. They are compact, medium-sized diving ducks that sit relatively low in the water.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Boreal forests, taiga, temperate forests, freshwater lakes, rivers, coastal estuaries, and sheltered marine bays.

Geographic range

Holarctic distribution. Breeds across northern North America (Alaska, Canada, northern USA) and northern Eurasia (Scandinavia, Russia, Siberia). Winters south to the southern USA, Mexico, central Europe, and East Asia.

Elevation range

Primarily lowlands, but can be found at moderate elevations on mountain lakes during breeding season.

Preferred environments

During breeding, prefers clear, shallow freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers in forested areas, especially those with mature trees suitable for nesting cavities. In winter, found on larger, ice-free freshwater bodies and sheltered coastal marine environments.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, actively foraging during daylight hours.

Feeding habits

Primarily a diving duck. Dives to forage for aquatic insects (larvae of caddisflies, dragonflies, midges), crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. Will also consume some aquatic vegetation and seeds, especially in winter. Dives typically last 10-30 seconds.

Social behavior

During breeding season, typically found in pairs. In winter, forms flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or thousands, often mixing with other diving duck species. Can be quite wary.

Flight pattern

Fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats, often producing a distinctive whistling sound, especially from the males' wings. Takes off from water with a running start.

Migration pattern

Strongly migratory. Northern populations move south for winter, while some southern breeding populations may be resident. Migrates in small to large flocks, often following coastlines or major river systems. Arrives on breeding grounds in early spring and departs for wintering grounds in late autumn.

Territoriality

Males defend a small territory around the nest site during breeding season. Wintering flocks are not territorial.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

April to June, depending on latitude.

Nesting habits

Cavity nesters, primarily using old tree cavities excavated by Northern Flickers or Pileated Woodpeckers. Will also readily use artificial nest boxes. Nests are typically located near water, lined with wood chips and down feathers.

Clutch size

Typically 6-11 eggs, but can range from 4 to 14. Females may lay eggs in other goldeneye nests (brood parasitism).

Egg description

Pale green to bluish-green, smooth, and unspotted. Average size is 59 x 43 mm.

Incubation period

28-32 days, incubated solely by the female.

Fledging period

Ducklings are precocial and leave the nest cavity within 24-36 hours of hatching, jumping to the ground. They are capable of flight at 55-65 days old.

Parental care

Only the female cares for the ducklings. She leads them to water shortly after hatching and protects them until they fledge. Males depart for molting grounds shortly after incubation begins.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Scan Open Water. Goldeneyes are often found in open water, diving frequently. Use binoculars or a spotting scope to observe their diving patterns and resurfacing locations.
2. Listen for Wing Whistle. Pay attention to the sounds of ducks flying overhead. The distinctive whistling of a goldeneye's wings can be a key identifier.
3. Observe Courtship Displays. During early spring, observe males performing elaborate head-throwing and calling displays to attract females. This is a great opportunity to see their full plumage and hear their calls.
4. Check for Mixed Flocks. On wintering grounds, Common Goldeneyes often associate with other diving ducks like scaup, Canvasbacks, and Redheads. Carefully scan these mixed flocks for goldeneyes.

Similar species

Quick facts

Diet:

Aquatic invertebrates, small fish

Nesting:

Tree cavities, nest boxes

Migration:

Strongly migratory

Flight Speed:

Fast, direct with whistling wings

Sociality:

Pairs in breeding, flocks in winter

Fun facts

• The Common Goldeneye is one of the few duck species that regularly nests in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes.
• The 'goldeneye' name refers to their striking yellow irises, which are a prominent feature in both sexes.
• Male Common Goldeneyes perform an elaborate courtship display involving head-throwing, neck-stretching, and calling, often referred to as 'the head-throw-kick'.
• Ducklings are precocial and must jump from their tree cavity nest, sometimes from heights of over 10 meters, within a day of hatching.
• Their diet of aquatic invertebrates and fish gives their flesh a strong, 'fishy' taste, making them less desirable for hunting than some other duck species.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Anseriformes

Family

Anatidae

Genus

Bucephala

Species

Bucephala clangula

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