Wildlifeof Mongolia
Common Goldeneye
Anatidae
Photo: Francis C. Franklin · CC BY-SA 3.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Bucephala clangula
Basic stats
Habitat
Lakes and rivers of boreal forest (taiga); nests in tree cavities
Range
Boreal Canada, northern United States, Scotland, Scandinavia, the Baltic States and northern Russia
Incubation period
28–32 days
Size
Males 45–51cm; females 40–50cm
Wingspan
77–83cm
Weight
Males about 1,000g; females about 800g
The common goldeneye is a medium-sized sea duck named for its golden-yellow eyes. Adult males are 45–51 centimetres long and weigh about 1,000 grams; females are 40–50 centimetres and about 800 grams, and the wingspan is 77–83 centimetres. The male has a dark head with a greenish gloss and a circular white patch below the eye, a dark back and a white neck and belly. The female has a brown head and a mostly grey body. Legs and feet are orange-yellow. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Its breeding habitat is the taiga, on lakes and rivers of boreal forest. Birds are migratory, and most winter in protected coastal waters or open inland waters at more temperate latitudes. It is aggressive and territorial, with elaborate courtship displays. Nests are in cavities in large trees, including holes made by large woodpeckers, and birds return year after year, readily using nest boxes. The female alone incubates for 28–32 days and the male leaves a week or two in. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What habitat does the Common Goldeneye live in?
- Lakes and rivers of boreal forest (taiga); nests in tree cavities
- Where is the Common Goldeneye found?
- Boreal Canada, northern United States, Scotland, Scandinavia, the Baltic States and northern Russia
- How long are the eggs of the Common Goldeneye incubated?
- 28–32 days
- How big is the Common Goldeneye?
- Males 45–51cm; females 40–50cm
- What is the wingspan of the Common Goldeneye?
- 77–83cm
- How much does the Common Goldeneye weigh?
- Males about 1,000g; females about 800g