Goldeneye
Bucephala clangula
The Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck that can be seen in Britain, particularly during the winter months, with smaller numbers breeding in the northern parts of the country. It is a rare breeder in Britain, but can be found on larger lakes, reservoirs, and coastal areas during the winter.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Goldeneye in the field.
The Goldeneye can be identified by its distinctive golden-yellow eye, black head with a circular white patch, and a black and white body with a grey back. Its head shape and bill size are also distinctive, with a relatively large head and a short, broad bill.
The Goldeneye is slightly smaller than a Mallard, but larger than a Teal.
The male Goldeneye has a black head with a circular white patch, a grey back, and black and white barred flanks, with a black tail and a white belly, and its plumage remains largely the same throughout the year.
The female Goldeneye has a brown head, a grey back, and black and white barred flanks, similar to the male but with a more subdued colouration and without the white patch on the head.
The Goldeneye's call is a sharp, high-pitched "pee" or "pee-pee" sound, often repeated in a series.
Goldeneyes are diving ducks that feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish, and can be seen swimming and diving in lakes, reservoirs, and coastal areas, often in small groups.
The Goldeneye can be confused with the Smew, but can be distinguished by its larger size, more rounded head, and the male's distinctive white patch on the head, as well as its different call and diving behaviour.
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