goldeneye
1. Bird Name
The bird under focus is the ‘Goldeneye’. The scientific name for this species is Bucephala clangula.
2. Appearance
The Goldeneye is quite captivating in appearance. The adult males have jet-black heads with a distinctive iridescent green sheen, golden yellow eyes, crisp white bodies with black back and a bright orange-yellow feet. They have a large, triangular-shaped white spot between the eyes and the bill. Females, on the other hand, are more subdued with chocolate-brown heads, white neck and underparts, and grayer backs. They also possess the white spots near their bill and their eyes are pale to medium yellow. The beak is black with a yellowish tip for females and mostly flesh-yellow in males. The texture of their feathers is pretty smooth and shiny.
3. Size
The Goldeneye is a medium-sized bird. It is around 40-50 cm in length, with a wingspan of 65-80 cm. Their weight typically ranges from 500 to 1,400 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Goldeneye birds are native to the wooded areas of North America, Scandinavia, and Northern Russia. These birds prefer forested regions near bodies of water, like lakes, bogs, marshes, and coastlines. During the winter, Goldeneyes migrate to open water bodies and can commonly be seen along protected coastal areas and large inland lakes.
5. Interesting Facts
Goldeneyes are exceptional divers and swimmers, often diving to up to 20 feet for food. They have an interesting courtship display, involving lots of head bobbing, neck stretching, and peculiar, high-pitched sounds. Additionally, unlike many birds who collect materials to build nests, Goldeneyes often occupy abandoned woodpecker cavities or use a nest box.
6. Diet
Goldeneyes have a varied diet that includes aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. They are swimming divers who can catch prey deep underwater.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Goldeneye has a unique flying style characterized by rapid wingbeats. As a result, they make a distinctive whistling sound when in flight. Moreover, their call is a low, short “kra-a-a.”
8. Conservation Status
The conservation status of the Goldeneye is currently classified as ‘Least Concern’ according to the IUCN Red List. They have a wide range and a stable population trend.
9. Lifespan
Goldeneyes typically live an average of 10-15 years in the wild. There is not enough information available about the lifespan in captivity.
10. Additional Notes
Nationally, in France, the bird is known as “Garrot à œil d’or,” and in Spain, “Porrón osculado.” Goldeneyes play a vital role in controlling insect populations in aquatic ecosystems. They generally do not pose any threat or create a disturbance for human inhabitants. However, they are often hunted for sport and food.
These birds are often treated as indicators of environmental health, as they are particularly sensitive to changes in water quality and forest conditions, providing crucial information about ecological change. That’s why it is essential to conserve and protect the natural habitats of Goldeneyes for the betterment of biodiversity and environmental balance.
