Connecticut Audubon Bird Finder for February 15: Barrow’s Goldeneye

Barrow’s Goldeneye
Bucephala islandica

Where to find it: This is one of our rarer wintering ducks, but some locations over the years have been better than others. Currently a Barrow’s Goldeneye has been seen off and on at Penfield Reef in Fairfield. This week another was spotted at Gulf Beach in Milford. Over the years other good locations to locate it at have been Stratford Point and the Coastal Center at Milford Point.  Any location where large groups of diving ducks congregate could potentially have this species mixed in.

How to find it: Barrow’s Goldeneye is usually found in mixed flocks with other medium sized diving ducks. It feeds by diving below the surface to find food. The first area to look is among Common Goldeneye. Both of these species look similar (see “What it looks like,” below, for help distinguishing between them). It might also be found among flocks of Scoters. All these ducks will most likely be off shore by at least 50 yards.  They like to be in protected coastal areas, so places that have fewer disturbances are ideal.

What it looks like: Barrow’s Goldeneye has black upper parts with white under parts. The white shoulder patches contrast with the black upper parts. The head is large for its body, with a glossy purple-black shine. It has a yellow eye with a white crescent patch that contrasts with its dark bill. The female is overall drabber with brownish gray upperparts. She has a yellow eye and a light color bill.  The head is of a rufous color.

The biggest difference between Barrow’s Goldeneye and Common Goldeneye is the cheek patch. Barrow’s has a crescent white patch on the cheek, where Common has a circular and smaller cheek patch. Another added thing to look at is the head color. Barrow’s has an overall purplish hue were Common has more of a green hue.

What else to look for if the bird is not there: When looking for this species you’re most likely at a location with other duck, so it’s a good opportunity to Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Eider, Long-tailed Duck, and the Scoter species.  If you are at a location that has coastal grasslands, look for Horned Lark, Lapland Longspur, Snow Bunting, and American Pipit.

Conservation status: The IUCN considers Barrow’s Goldeneye to be a species of least concern.