Ecology and life historyīarrow’s goldeneye is considered a sea duck as it is found in large numbers on saltwater during winter, but it is dependent upon freshwater lakes during breeding and brood rearing periods. Most Barrow’s goldeneyes wintering in Washington occur on Puget Sound bays, inlets, harbors, and rocky shores, and some use ice-free inland lakes, ponds, and rivers, particularly specific stretches of the Columbia River.
Goldeneye duck sounds how to#
They have a distinctive wing-whistling sound in flight, earning them the nickname of “whistlers.” For more information on how to identify the two species, check out the Sea Duck Joint Venture "Meet the Sea Ducks": Barrow's goldeneye and common goldeneye. Goldeneye are active, strong-winged fliers, moving singly or in small flocks, often high in the air. Additionally, in comparison, Barrow’s goldeneye have much less white feathering on their back and shoulder (upper part of the wing) appearing as white dots surrounded by black body plumage on the male, and very little if any visible white on the female.ĭrakes have a piercing “speer speer” vocalization, whereas hens have a low grumbly quack, but both are usually quiet. Barrow’s goldeneye are about 19 inches in length and weigh about 2 ¾ pounds, whereas common goldeneye are about 19 inches in length and weigh about 2 ¼ pounds.
The Barrow’s male or “drake” tends to be slightly larger than the common goldeneye drake, and it has a larger white, halfmoon-shaped spot between its eye and bill. It can be difficult to tell females or “hens” of the two species apart, but the coloration of the hen’s bill is the best characteristic, with the Barrow’s goldeneye hen being more orange overall. Two species of goldeneye call Washington home: Barrow’s goldeneye and common goldeneye. Monofilament recovery and recycling program.
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