The common Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck that can be found across North America, Europe, and Asia. Identifying the common Goldeneye is relatively straightforward once you know what field marks to look for. In this article, we will discuss how to identify male and female common Goldeneyes, when and where to see them, and how to distinguish them from similar duck species.
Distinctive Features of the Common Goldeneye
The common Goldeneye has several distinctive features that aid in identification:
- Bright yellow eyes – Males have bright yellow irises, while females have yellow eyes with a brown iris.
- White circular facial patch – Both males and females have a round white patch on the face surrounding the bill.
- Black and white plumage – Males are mostly black with white sides and belly. Females are mottled brown and grey with a brown head.
- Black back – They have a black back that contrasts with the white sides.
- Rounded head shape – Their head has a rounded dome shape.
The common Goldeneye’s profile on the water is also distinctive. The head sits low in the water with the rear end tilted up at an angle. This gives them a rear-heavy appearance compared to other ducks.
Identifying Male Common Goldeneyes
Identifying male common Goldeneyes is fairly straightforward. They have striking black and white plumage with a few key characteristics:
- Entirely black head and neck
- Glossy green-black plumage on the back, chest, and flanks
- Large white circular patch surrounding the yellow eye
- White sides and belly
- Black bill
In flight, the male’s black back and white belly are very apparent. The yellow eyes are also visible in good light. First-year males have some grey mottling on the flanks rather than being solid black.
Male Common Goldeneye in Breeding Plumage
In breeding plumage, male common Goldeneyes develop a distinctive bulbous black forehead and neat circular white cheek patch. Their plumage appears especially glossy and well-defined compared to winter. This bold facial pattern makes them appear fierce and handsome during courtship.
Identifying Female Common Goldeneyes
Females have a more subdued brown, grey, and white mottled appearance. Their key identification features include:
- Rounded grey-brown head
- Yellow eyes with a brown iris
- White circular facial patch
- Mottled grey-brown upperparts
- White underparts
- Grey bill with yellow tip
In flight, look for the female’s characteristic rounded head shape contrasting with a sharply angular rear end tilted up out of the water. The white facial patch and yellow eye are also visible at closer range.
Female Common Goldeneye with Ducklings
Female common Goldeneyes with ducklings are a charming sight in late spring. The ducklings are fuzzy balls of black and yellow. They stick close to the female for several weeks after hatching until they can fly.
When and Where to See Common Goldeneyes
Here are some tips on the best times and places to spot common Goldeneyes:
- Winter – Common Goldeneyes winter on lakes, rivers, estuaries, and sheltered coastal areas across much of North America, Northern Europe, and Asia.
- Migration – Good locations to spot migrating flocks include the Great Lakes and major river systems like the Mississippi and Saint Lawrence Rivers.
- Breeding grounds – In spring and summer, look for them on wooded lakes and ponds across Canada, Alaska, Northern Europe, and Russia.
- Morning and evening – They are most active foraging early and late in the day.
- Sheltered bays – Look for small flocks resting on calm waters sheltered from wind and waves.
- With other diving ducks – They often mix with other diving ducks like Buffleheads, Mergansers, and Scaup.
In urban areas, city harbors, parks with lakes, and water treatment ponds are good places to find wintering Goldeneyes.
Distinguishing Common Goldeneye from Similar Species
The common Goldeneye’s distinctive looks minimize confusion, but some ducks share similar features. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Barrow’s Goldeneye
- Male has purple-glossed black head and crescent-shaped white facial patch
- Female has darker brown head and more angular profile
- Found mainly along the western coast of North America
Bufflehead
- Much smaller with a large duckling-like head and stubby bill
- Male has white over the eye and an iridescent purple head
- Female is grey with a diffuse white facial patch
Hooded Merganser
- Male has a black and white crested head with yellow eyes
- Female is grey with a reddish-brown crest
- Thinner bill than Goldeneye
Smew
- Found in Europe and Asia
- Male has a distinctive black and white crested head
- Female is grey with chestnut flanks
Taking note of key identification features like the facial pattern, head shape, and bill size allows these similar species to be reliably distinguished from the common Goldeneye.
Interesting Facts About the Common Goldeneye
Beyond identification, here are a few fascinating facts about the life history and behavior of the common Goldeneye:
- They nest in tree cavities made by Northern flickers and other woodpeckers, often lining the cavity with down feathers plucked from their breast.
- Goldeneyes can dive to depths over 60 feet in search of mollusks, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
- Their legs are set far back on the body, making them awkward on land but great for diving and swimming.
- Females give a shrill “kak-kak” alarm call when disturbed at the nest.
- Ducklings leap from the nest cavity entrance to the ground shortly after hatching.
- Males put on animated courtship displays, rapidly tossing their head back and throwing water with their bill.
- They migrate at night and can fly 50-60 miles per hour.
Conclusion
Identifying the common Goldeneye is straightforward with practice. Just look for the yellow-eyed male’s striking black and white plumage or the female’s characteristic grey and white profile. Learning to distinguish them from similar species like Barrow’s Goldeneye and Bufflehead will also help identification. The common Goldeneye’s diving ability, nesting behavior, and animated courtship make it one of the most fascinating and entertaining ducks to observe during its travels across northern climates.
