Bird Guide

Barrow's Goldeneye vs Bufflehead

Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica)

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

Large921 gWetland

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Justin Flint · CC BY 4.0
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

Large397 gWetland

The 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. Averaging 35.5 cm (14.0 in) and 370 g (13 oz), it rivals the green-winged teal as the smallest American duck. The bufflehead has a wingspan of 21.6 in (55 cm). Adult males are striking black and white, with iridescent green and purple heads and a large white patch behind the eye. Females are grey-toned with a smaller white patch behind the eye and a light underside.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Mike Baird from Morro Bay, USA · CC BY 2.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Barrow's Goldeneye and Bufflehead.