COMMON GOLDENEYE
Bucephala clangula
DESCRIPTION
The Common Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck known for its distinctive rounded head and striking coloration. Males exhibit a glossy green head, bright yellow eye, and white body with a black back, while females are predominantly brown with a lighter face. This species is known for its agile swimming and diving abilities, often foraging underwater for food.
FUN FACTS
- The Common Goldeneye is known for its unique courtship displays, which can include elaborate head movements and vocalizations that are quite a sight to behold
- These displays are not only a way to attract mates but also serve to establish dominance among males during the breeding season
- | Interestingly, the Common Goldeneye has a unique adaptation that allows it to dive to depths of up to 20 meters in search of food
- This ability to dive deep and stay submerged for extended periods makes it an efficient forager, allowing it to exploit a variety of aquatic habitats
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild
Average Weight0.7-1.5 kg
Average Length38-50 cm
Diet TypePiscivore
Social Structurepair, often seen in small groups during migration
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- Common Goldeneyes inhabit freshwater lakes, rivers, and coastal marine environments. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation and open water for foraging.
- Biomes
- Freshwater, Marine
- Native Range
- The species breeds across North America and parts of Europe and Asia, migrating to coastal areas during winter.
- Continent
- North America, Europe, Asia
- Countries
- Canada, United States, Norway, Sweden, Russia
- Diet
- Common Goldeneyes primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates and small fish. They are adept divers, using their agility to catch prey beneath the water's surface.
- Diet Type
- Piscivore
- Favorite Food
- aquatic invertebrates, small fish
- Social Structure
- pair, often seen in small groups during migration
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 2-20
- Territorial
- 0
LC
LC
LC
0.7-1.5 kg
Weight
38-50 cm
Length
- Coloration
- males have a glossy green head, white body, and black back; females are brown with a lighter face
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are more colorful with distinct markings compared to females
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 6-10
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, with some fluctuations due to habitat changes.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 200,000-300,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to wetland drainage and pollution. Climate change also poses a risk to their breeding and migratory patterns.
- Predators
- foxes, raccoons, eagles, large fish
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their ability to dive quickly to escape predators.
- Compatible Animals
- other waterfowl, such as mallards and coots
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon