Common Goldeneye – Length: 19 inches, Wing span: 26 inches
A nesting duck of the northern boreal forest, the Common Goldeneye winters broadly across the U.S. Clear lakes are preferred, as are lake with few or no fish, so there is less competition for the Common Goldeneye’s invertebrate prey.
Common Goldeneyes are sometimes known as whistlers because their wings make a loud whistling sound when flapping. This sound seems to be more pronounced when temperatures are low. Common Goldeneyes are seldom found in flocks with other ducks.
The green head on the male can look black. The body is mostly white with a darker back and tail. © Glenn Bartley.
The bill on the female is usually dark with a yellow tip. The white in the wings is not always visible. © Glenn Bartley.
Pay close attention to the white oval in front of the eye on the following 2 images, and one further down on the page. It is more of an oval shape, not round like the Common Goldeneye and not the crescent like the Barrow’s Goldeneye. These images may show a cross between the two species.
White bar on the wings. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
Flaps down. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
Males put on quite a display when trying to get a date. Photograph Glenn Bartley.
Showing his best stuff. Photograph Glenn Bartley.
The golden yellow eye can often be see in flying birds. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
One of the birds appears to be an immature bird. Even at a distance the light colored eye is obvious. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Females have a white bad that separates the dark head from the gray chest. Depending on the position of the head, the band can appear very narrow or even dissapear completely. Photogrph © Glenn Bartley.
Narrow white band on the trailing edge of the wing when seen from below. Photograph Glenn Bartly.
Even when seen in poor light, the golde color of the eye stands out. Photograph © G. Friesen.
This unusual looking bird may be a cross between a goldeneye and a Bufflehead. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.