Geese, Ducks, Mergansers

Common Goldeneye, Bucephala clangula

Family Anatidae (Geese, Ducks, Mergansers)

Size: 18.5"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Lakes, rivers, coastal areas

The common goldeneye is a compact, large-headed diving duck with a tall, rounded head and stubby bill. The breeding male shows stark color contrasts, with its white body streaked above with black, black rear, and greenish-black head. It has bright-yellow eyes and circular white patches between the eyes and bill. The female is gray overall with a brown head and a yellow-tipped bill. This duck is sometimes called the “whistler” because of the whistling sound made by its wings in flight. In the winter it can be found in small flocks. The breeding female (top) and breeding male (bottom) are illustrated.