Barrow's Goldeneye
Bucephala islandica
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<birdfyi-bird slug="bucephala-islandica"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-sized cavity-nesting duck (~840 g) in family Anatidae, males with purple-glossed heads and a crescent-shaped white face patch. Breeds near mountain lakes in western North America and Iceland; winters on coastal bays. Dives for invertebrates and small fish. Least Concern; dependent on large tree cavities for nesting.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 44.3 cm | 17.4 in |
| Weight | 838.0 g | 29.56 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Male has iridescent purple-black head with crescent-shaped white facial patch; white body with black scapulars bearing bold white spots. Female grey with brown head, white collar; head rounder than Common Goldeneye.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Breeds in Iceland, western Canada, and locally the western United States. Winters on coasts and lakes of the Pacific Northwest and eastern Canada.
Diet & Feeding
Dives for crustaceans, aquatic insects, and molluscs in mountain lakes and coastal bays. Diet similar to Common Goldeneye.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CR,CV. Incubation: 28-34 days. Fledging: 56 days.
Clutch Size
6-14
Sound
Song
Male produces a whistled, nasal kaow-kaow call; female gives a harsh quacking series. The male's wheezy, double call differs from Common Goldeneye; heard on western North American lakes.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Bucephala |
| Species | Bucephala islandica |
Distribution
Barrow's Goldeneye has been recorded in 9 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Barrow's Goldeneye eat?
Where does the Barrow's Goldeneye live?
Is the Barrow's Goldeneye endangered?
How does the Barrow's Goldeneye nest?
What does the Barrow's Goldeneye sound like?
How big is the Barrow's Goldeneye?
What order and family does the Barrow's Goldeneye belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family