Common Goldeneye

Green list

Bucephala clangula

A striking black-and-white diving duck of lakes and coasts, famous for head-breaking courtship displays.

Diving duck · 27,000 breeding pairs (UK)

Measurements

In most ducks the male (drake) and female (hen) look quite different. Study both to identify any bird.

Photos: T.Voekler · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Dives for insect larvae, crustaceans, molluscs and small fish.

Diving (disappears fully underwater) Medium (mallard-sized, 45–55 cm)

Lakes and reservoirs in winter; breeds by wooded rivers and lochs in Scotland.

Nests in tree holes and nest boxes — ducklings leap from heights of 20 metres.

Continental birds arrive to winter on lakes and coasts.

Wings whistle loudly in flight; males make bizarre croaking and head-throwing displays.

Compare with close relatives.

Aythya fuligula

A smart black-and-white diving duck with a jaunty dangling crest, common on lakes and reservoirs.

Aythya ferina

A round-headed diving duck whose drake glows chestnut and silver on a winter lake.

Aythya marila

A chunky, round-headed diving duck of the open coast, the sea-going cousin of the tufted duck.

Netta rufina

A large, flamboyant diving duck with an orange crew-cut, a growing naturalised resident in England.