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WetlandCavity nestLarge · 921 g
ID tip
Adults are similar in appearance to the common goldeneye. On average, adult males are 49 cm (19.2 in) long and weigh 0.97 kg (2.13 lb); females are typically 43 cm (17 in) long and weigh 0.59 kg (1.31 lb). The Barrow's goldeneye has a wingspan of 70–73 cm (28–29 in). Adult males have a dark head with a purplish gloss and a white crescent at the front of the face. Adult females have a mostly yellow bill. Voice: The Barrow's goldeneye is a relatively quiet bird that generally only makes vocalizations during the breeding season and courtship. These can include low volume squeaks, grunts and croaks. During flights, the fast movement of the bird's wings creates a low whistling sound.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Barrow's Goldeneye
One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 8 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is January, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Barrow's Goldeneye
The map shades 4 countries with regular records, and 6 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Norway, United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, France, Faroe Islands.
About the Barrow's Goldeneye
Barrow's goldeneye is a medium-sized sea duck of the genus Bucephala, the goldeneyes. This bird was named after Sir John Barrow. The genus name is derived from Ancient Greek boukephalos, "bullheaded", from bous, "bull" and kephale, "head", a reference to the bulbous head shape of the bufflehead. The species name islandica means Iceland.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
BuffleheadBucephala albeolaThe bufflehead ranges from 32–40 cm (13–16 in) long and weighs 270–550 g (9.5–19.4 oz), with the drakes larger than the females.
Common GoldeneyeBucephala clangulaAdult males range from 45–51 cm (18–20 in) and weigh approximately 1,000 g (2.2 lb), while females range from 40–50 cm (16–20 in) and weigh approximately 800 g (1.8 lb).
Side by side: Barrow's Goldeneye vs Common Goldeneye · Barrow's Goldeneye vs Bufflehead · Barrow's Goldeneye vs Smew · Barrow's Goldeneye vs Harlequin Duck
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