The Common Goldeneye Ducks is a medium-sized sea duck. Their closest relative is the similar Barrow’s goldeneye. The species is named for its golden-coloured eye. Adult males have a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back, and a white neck and belly. Adult females have a brown head and mostly gray body. Their legs and feet are orange-yellow.
They breed in the boreal forests across northern Canada, Scandinavia, and Russia. They are migratory and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. Many of them winter on the south coast. is up to 32 days. The female does all the incubating and is abandoned by the male about 1 to 2 weeks into incubation. The young remain in the nest for about 36 hours.
Brood parasitism is quite common, both with other common golden eyes and other duck species. The broods commonly start to mix with other females’ broods as they become more independent. The young are capable of flight at around 65 days of age.
These diving birds forage underwater. Insects are their prey of choice while nesting. Crustaceans are the predominant prey during winter. Locally, fish eggs, and aquatic plants can also be important foods.
They may fall prey to various hawks, owls, and eagles, while females and their broods have been preyed upon by bears, mink, and raccoons. Goldeneye young are sometimes killed by other goldeneye mothers. It’s a tough life when starting out as a duckling, survival is not guaranteed. These little ducks are quite beautiful and I have always enjoyed observing them as they go about their daily lives.