Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

Genus · Goldeneyes and Bufflehead Family · Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Lake wetlandsMarineRiver

In winter, look for them on large lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. They are very wary birds. Look for the high-peaked head shape and the male's bright white plumage.

Common Goldeneye

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan61–80 cm
Weight500–1300 g
Length40–48 cm
Lifespan wild5–15 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeCavity
Clutch size6–11 eggs
Incubation28–32 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationMigratory
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Omnivore

🦀Crustaceans
🐟Fish
🦗Insects
🐚Mollusks
🍃Plants

Habitat

🛶 Lake wetlands🌊 Marine🏞️ River
✦ Fun Fact

Goldeneyes nest in trees. Day-old ducklings must leap from the nest hole to reach the ground. These jumps can be as high as 15 metres.

About

A medium-sized diving duck with a large, triangular head and a short, stout bill. It is a hardy bird of northern forests and tundra. In winter, it is a common visitor to ice-free lakes, rivers, and coastal bays across Europe. It is a cavity nester and uses old woodpecker holes or nest boxes near water.

Behaviour

Goldeneyes are energetic divers. They search for aquatic insects, mollusks, and crustaceans. Their wings produce a distinctive whistling sound in flight. During courtship, drakes perform a dramatic 'head-throw' display. They snap their heads back to touch their rumps while kicking water into the air.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

The male has a mostly white body with a black back. His head is an iridescent dark green that often looks black. A large white circular patch sits between the eye and the bill.

♀ Female

The female has a grey body with a chocolate-brown head and a white collar. Her bill is dark with a yellow tip. She lacks the male's white face patch.

Similar species

Tufted Duck
🐦
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligula
Smew
🐦
Smew
Mergellus albellus
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