Common Goldeneye

51 cm (20") Common and widespread; more common in East. Forested lakes, rivers, estuaries, bays. Small diving duck.

Male: dark head may show glossy green; short dark bill; large round white spot in front of and below its bright yellow eye; white breast and sides; black back. In flight, very rapid with wings that whistle; white spot on dark head; white areas on back and large white speculum area.

Female: dark brown head has a sloping forehead to stubby bill; bright yellow eye; all dark bill or may have a small area of yellow near tip only; white neck collar; gray breast, back and sides. In flight, very rapid with wings that whistle; large white speculum area.

Song: "pee-ik", quacks.

Videos

Images

Credit: Bill Bouton

Credit: Larry Bond

Credit: David-Mitchell

Credit: Greg Schneider

Distribution Maps

Common Goldeneye distribution map

Common Goldeneye winter distribution map