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Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

A duck with a strongly rounded head and golden eyes, this Nordic bird comes to rest here every year.

All about Common Goldeneye

Features & Description

The Common Goldeneye, from its Latin name “Bucephala clangula”, is a medium-sized diving duck with a large, almost triangular head.

With a wingspan of 77 cm, this duck, originally from northern Europe, spends the winter on the lake.

The beak is quite small and triangular, with a conspicuous white spot just behind the bill.

In the male, the back is black and white, while the whole belly and neck are white.

Females have gray plumage and a brown head, with a yellowish spot at the tip of the bill.

Habitat (Biotope)

The Common Goldeneye prefers clear forest lakes and ponds, slow-moving streams and small archipelagos.

In winter, it is most often seen in the northern basin of the lake.

Behavior & habits

The Common Goldeneye is a diving duck that feeds on small fish, mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic insects.

In flight, its wings beat rapidly, the neck stretched over a stocky silhouette. It skims the water at high speed and is very shy.

It is often seen in pairs or with other individuals of its species, but in small groups.

Reproduction and immature

Common Goldeneyes breed in northern Europe.

Their nests are mainly in cavities or tree trunks excavated by woodpeckers.

The female lays between 6 and 11 eggs, which take 30 days to incubate.

The ducklings leave the nest as soon as they are born, but don’t fledge until they are 45 days old.

Cry or Voice

Male Common Goldeneyes emit a nasal “biii-biiiitch” on parade, accompanied by squeaky, dry sounds.

Females emit a sonorous “brra… bra… bra…”

In flight, a slight whistle resembling a small bell is audible.

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