Common Goldeneye Bird Details
Bucephala clangula
Common Goldeneye,Black-eyed Duck, Eurasian Goldeneye;
Sunhala Battak
Carl Linnaeus (described in 1758)
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Bucephala
- Canada, The United States, Europe, and Asia.
- India(Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand)
Appearance :
The male Common Goldeneye has a distinctive rounded head, bright yellow eye, and white cheek patch. Its plumage is predominantly black and white with a greenish sheen on the head. The female has a more subdued color scheme, with a brownish head and a white neck ring. Both sexes have a characteristic oval body shape.
Behaviour :
Common Goldeneyes are social birds, often seen in flocks, especially during migration. They are known for their courtship displays, which include head-bobbing and other elaborate behaviors. They breed in pairs and are generally monogamous during the breeding season.
Habitat :
They inhabit freshwater lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Preferred habitats include open water with nearby vegetation for nesting and foraging.
Diet :
Their diet primarily consists of aquatic invertebrates, fish, and some plant material. They dive underwater to forage for food.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Common Goldeneye breeds across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. During winter, they migrate to milder coastal areas and lakes.
Population Size :
Population estimates suggest several hundred thousand individuals globally.
Life Span :
Common Goldeneyes typically live around 10 to 15 years in the wild, with some individuals living longer.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Common Goldeneye has a robust, compact body with a slightly rounded head and long neck. The body is typically a mix of black and white plumage in males, with a more subdued coloration in females.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 5 to 6 cm (2 to 2.4 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: The male has a distinctive rounded head with a greenish sheen, while the female has a brown head with a more subtle shape.
- Eyes: Bright yellow in males, with a dark brown to black color in females.
- Bill: Short and stout, slightly hooked at the tip, and typically black with a yellow tip in males.
- Bill Length: Approximately 4.5 to 5 cm (1.8 to 2 inches).
Length :
Ranges from 40 to 50 cm (15.7 to 19.7 inches).
Neck :
Moderately long and slender, with a more pronounced curve in males during courtship displays.
Size :
Males are generally larger than females
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and square, typically closed together when resting or swimming.
- Tail Length: Approximately 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 inches).
- Feathers: The males have distinctive black and white feathers, with a greenish-black head. Females have mottled brown and gray feathers.
Weight :
Males: 800-1,300 grams (28-46 oz). Females: 600-1,200 grams (21-42 oz).
Wing :
Long and pointed, designed for fast flight and agility in the air.
Wing Span :
Ranges from 76 to 90 cm (30 to 35 inches).
Facial Feature :
Males have a distinctive white cheek patch and a bright yellow eye, while females have a brown head and a more subtle appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Common Goldeneye typically nests in tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, or even in artificial nest boxes. They may also nest on the ground in areas with dense vegetation near water sources.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is lined with down feathers, grass, and other soft materials to provide insulation and comfort for the eggs and nestlings.
Breeding Season :
Generally occurs from late April to early June
Nesting Season :
The nesting season for the Common Goldeneye typically occurs from late April to early June.
Egg Color :
The eggs are generally pale green to pale blue in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 5.3 to 6.1 cm (2.1 to 2.4 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 3.8 to 4.3 cm (1.5 to 1.7 inches).
- Egg Weight: Each egg typically weighs around 45 to 60 grams (1.6 to 2.1 ounces).
Clutch Size :
Commonly ranges from 6 to 10 eggs, but can sometimes vary.
No. of Broods :
Common Goldeneyes typically raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation lasts about 28 to 30 days.
Nestling Period :
After hatching, the nestlings are precocial and leave the nest within 24 hour.
Vocalization :
Common Goldeneyes produce a variety of vocalizations, including a series of low-pitched whistles, grunts, and quacks.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are brightly colored with distinctive black and white plumage and a green head, while females are more muted in color, predominantly brown and gray.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Common Goldeneyes are migratory birds, moving between breeding and wintering grounds.
- Migration Period: Migration typically occurs in the fall (September to November) as they leave breeding areas and in spring (March to April) as they return.
- Migration Route: They migrate from breeding grounds in northern Europe, Asia, and North America to wintering areas in southern Europe, the northeastern United States, and parts of Canada.
- Reasons for Migration: Migration is primarily driven by the search for suitable feeding grounds and favorable weather conditions. They seek areas with open water and abundant food resources during winter.
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