![]() ![]() Nests are usually located within one mile of wetlands, ponds, lakes or rivers. Goldeneyes are cavity nesters with a strong homing tendency, often using the same cavity in successive years. The diet mainly consists of aquatic insects, crustaceans, aquatic plants, mollusks, small fish, and other plant materials. Habitats of this species include forested bays, lakes, deep marshes and freshwater habitats, deciduous cottonwood stringers, and edge effects adjacent to water bodies. They measure between 16-20 inches, and weigh about 2 pounds. These ducks are also characterized by a flight pattern of rapid wing beats with a moderately deep arc that produce whistling sounds. Both sexes show quite a bit of white in flight, and have eyes that appear golden like in color. Female adults have a chocolate brown head, dark gray back, wings and tail. These ducks have white flanks, breast, and belly which also contrast with a black back, wings, and tail. The contrast of a breeding males iridescent green-black head with its bright white oval shaped patch at the posterior base of the bill is diagnostic. The neck is short, the bill grayish-black and the body roundish. This is a medium sized diving duck with a stocky appearance. The old Greek word boukephalos is in reference to buffalo headed, and the term clangula is Latin for small noise, which ties in the whistling sounds these ducks’ wings make in flight. The two-part scientific name comes from Greek and Latin. The Common Goldeneye’s common name refers to its tawny colored irises. ![]() The photographer shouldered his camera, took aim and captured the ducks in mid-flight. Just around the edges of a forested bay, several goldeneye ducks seemed to walk on water and launched into a whistling flight. It was mid-November and ice was beginning to appear on the water bodies of Kootenai Country Montana. The experienced wildlife photographer knew the timing was right.
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