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Nigel Key Goldeneye
(Slimbridge May 2017)
The Goldeneye is a seaduck from the Northern hemisphere.
It belongs to the Bucephala genus of which there are three species, The Common Goldeneye, the Barrow's Goldeneye and the Bufflehead.
The Goldeneye is also called the 'Whistler' which comes from the noise in makes during flight.
| Hear the Goldeneye's Call:- |
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Conservation Status
Size
450mm to 520mm (18" to 21")
Appearance - Male
The male has a Green/Black head with a round White patch on the cheek in front of a Deep 'Golden' Yellow eye and a Black bill. The neck, breast, belly and flanks are White. The tail and back are Black with White scapulars. The legs and feet are Orange/Yellow.
Appearance - Female
The female has a Dark Brown head and neck, Black bill, Brown Grey plumage with Whitish breast and underparts. The eyes are Pale Yellow to Whitish.
Habitat
Lakes, Rivers and Coastal Waters.
Diet
Aquatic Plants and Insects, Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs, Shrimps and Crabs.
Breeding Time
May to June
Nest
The Goldeneye nests in tree hollows and will also use nestboxes.
Eggs
Quantity: 6 to 11
Colour: Blue Green.
Barnacle Goose
