Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica)

Barrow's Goldeneye (Male), Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, British Columbia
Photograph by Alan And Elaine Wilson. Some rights reserved. (view image details)

Barrow's Goldeneye | Bucephala islandica photo

Barrow's Goldeneye (Female), Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, British Columbia
Photograph by Alan And Elaine Wilson. Some rights reserved. (view image details)

BARROW'S GOLDENEYE FACTS

Description
In the breeding season the male has a black head with purple sheen. There is a white crescent-shaped patch on side of face near the base of the bill. The wings, back and tail are black. The sides and underside are white. There are a number of small white patches on the sides above the wings. The bill is short and black. The eyes are yellow. The female has brown head, gray back, wings and tail, white underside and pale yellow eyes. Non-breeding males are similar to females, with some black on the sides. Immature birds are similar to adult females. The wings have a white patch at the base that is visible in flight.

Size
length 43cm - 48cm

Environment
lakes, rocky coasts.

Food
Aquatic invertebrates, fish eggs, some small fish and plants

Breeding
Makes a nest lined with down in a tree hollow. Lays one to twelve glossy green eggs.

Range
Barrow's Goldeneye breeds in Alaska, north west United States as far as Oregon and Colorado. Also breeds in eastern Quebec, Canada and Iceland.

Classification

Class:	Aves
Order:	Anseriformes
Family:	Anatidae
Genus:	Bucephala
Species:	islandica
Common Name:	Barrow's Goldeneye

Relatives in same Genus
Bufflehead (B. albeola)
Common Goldeneye (B. clangula)

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