Posted by The Common goldeneye Bird is a medium-sized sea duck of the genus Bucephala, the goldeneyes. Its closest relative is the similar Barrow’s goldeneye.
Common goldeneye Bird Facts:
Size: 42-50 cm
Voice: Quiet, occasionally emitting a faint krrr or a loud zee-zee. In flight, wings produce a whistling or rattling sound
Range: Rare winter visitor
Habitat: Uncommon. Sometimes seen in open freshwater such as rivers, avoiding shallow, heavily vegetated waters.
Attractive sea duck with distinct plumage. Breeding male has wedge-shaped, glossy green-black head, golden eye, peaked forehead, short bill with white patch at base, white patch on wing; longish tail white body with white dorsal stripe.
Female and non-breeding male have chocolate-brown head; white collar and grey body with white wing patch. Juvenile similar to female, but has more grey-brown head. Preys on invertebrates with short dive with wings closed and tail spread.