Goldeneye

 

The goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) is normally a winter visitor to the British Isles that breeds in northern Scandinavia and northern Asia. However, it has been known to breed in a small area of northern Scotland.

It is a small duck measuring up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length. The adult male has black and white plumage, its black head showing a green sheen. It has a white spot on each cheek. The female has brown and white plumage. Both sexes have rectangular white wing patches, high foreheads, short bills, and the bright yellow eyes from which they take their name.

Goldeneye in flight have the fast wing beats typical of diving ducks, but they take off more easily than most and the wings produce a pronounced whistling sound which is quite unmistakable.

Wintering goldeneye take to coastal waters, forming large flocks that are mainly of one sex. They rarely come ashore. However, small flocks are sometimes found on larger stretches of inland water.

Bill-raising and water-splashing have been noted as courtship gestures. Goldeneye prefer to nest in tree holes near a lake or river, but will also use rabbit burrows or specially provided nest boxes. It has been known for goldeneye to take over the old nest holes of woodpeckers.

The bottom of the nesting cavity is unlined, but may be insulated with greyish-white down and a few feathers. A typical clutch consists of 6 to 12 smooth, greenish-blue eggs. When they hatch, the young scramble out of the hole and fall to the ground, which can be a considerable distance. They take about eight weeks to fully develop their flight feathers.

© John Welford