Barrow's Goldeneye
Bucephala islandica
The Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) is a common ducks, swans, and geese found in 10 countries, weighing about 921 g. Barrow's goldeneye is a medium-sized sea duck of the genus Bucephala, the goldeneyes.
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.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, France, Faroe Islands.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, November, December, with peak activity in January. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Barrow's Goldeneye?
- Adults are similar in appearance to the common goldeneye. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Barrow's Goldeneye?
- The Barrow's Goldeneye is a large sized bird weighing about 921 g.
- Where can you see a Barrow's Goldeneye?
- The Barrow's Goldeneye occurs in 10 countries, including the United States, Canada, Iceland, Norway and St. Pierre & Miquelon.
- What birds look similar to a Barrow's Goldeneye?
- The Barrow's Goldeneye is most easily confused with the Bufflehead and the Common Goldeneye.
- Is the Barrow's Goldeneye endangered?
- The Barrow's Goldeneye is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Barrow's Goldeneye for real
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