Barrow's Goldeneye -- South Dakota Birds

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

Much less common in the state than it's close cousin, the Common Goldeneye, the Barrow's Goldeneye is generally a casual winter visitor.  The two species can be identified by the differing shape of the the males' facial white spots.  Barrow's Goldeneyes strongly prefer cold, inland waters for breeding, and have also recently adapted their winter range to include cold discharge waters below large dams in the southwestern United States.

Habitat: Breeds on cold waters of the interior of northwestern North America, including ponds, small lakes, and rivers.  Most wintering birds are found in coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest, but can also be found in the interior where open water is available.

Diet: Insects and insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, and plant material.

Nesting: Non-breeder in the state.

Song: Guttural croaking, with various catlike squeals from males during courtship. 

Migrations: Summers throughout much of northwestern North America, with smaller numbers in eastern Canada.  Winters throughout many of the same areas, although many in Canada and Alaska move to the Pacific Coast.  

Similar Species: Common Goldeneye.  See Identification Tips.

Status: Generally stable throughout it's range.

South Dakota "Hotspot": For the past few years, Canyon Lake within Rapid City has held a Barrow's Goldeneye in the winter.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Barrow's Goldeneye

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Barrow's Goldeneye"

3) eNature.com: Barrow's Goldeneye

Photo Information: Out-of-State Photo: June 16th, 2002 -- Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park -- Terry L. Sohl

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Range Map Reference: NatureServe

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08