Bucephala islandica
The Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) is a striking medium-sized diving duck, a jewel of cold northern waters. Males are instantly recognizable with their iridescent purplish-black head, bright golden eyes, and a prominent crescent-shaped white patch between the eye and the bill. Their body is largely white on the flanks, chest, and belly, with a black back and two distinct white scapular bars. Females are subtler, featuring a chocolate brown head, a mostly yellow bill, and a gray body...
Primarily found on clear, cold, freshwater lakes and rivers in forested areas during breeding season, shifting to sheltered coastal bays, estuaries, and large freshwater lakes in winter.
Primarily carnivorous, feeding on aquatic insects (larvae of caddisflies, dragonflies), crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, procured through skillful diving.
Barrow's Goldeneyes are active diurnal divers, spending much of their day foraging underwater. During courtship, males perform elaborate displays involving head-jerking, head-tossing, and swimming in circles around females, often accompanied by soft calls. They are seasonally monogamous, with pai...
The Barrow's Goldeneye exhibits a disjunct breeding range primarily across western North America, including Alaska, the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia south to Wyoming, and the Pacific Northwest coastal regions. A small, isolated breeding population also exists in eastern Canada, specifica...
Least Concern
- The Barrow's Goldeneye was named in honor of Sir John Barrow, a British statesman and geographer. - They are one of only two goldeneye species found in North America, the other being the Common Goldeneye. - Males possess a striking crescent-shaped white patch on their face, a key identification...