Common Goldeneye
Bucephala clangula
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Anseriformes · Anatidae
About
The common goldeneye or simply goldeneye is a medium-sized sea duck of the genus Bucephala, the goldeneyes. Its closest relative is the similar Barrow's goldeneye. The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek boukephalos, a reference to the bulbous head shape of the bufflehead. The species name is derived from the Latin clangere.
Fun Fact
Goldeneyes produce a loud musical whistling with their wings in flight that can be heard from hundreds of meters away, earning them the folk name 'whistler.'
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in the lakes and rivers of boreal forests across Canada and the northern United States, Scotland, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, and northern Russia.
Diet
Prey is crustaceans, 28% is aquatic insects and 10% is molluscs.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance