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The Common Goldeneye duck possesses a bright yellow eye after which this duck is named. In flight, this handsome duck produces a loud, whistling sound, giving rise to this species nickname the "whistler". Even at rest this drake’s bold black and white plumage renders the bird very conspicuous. This species is one of few ducks that nest in abandoned woodpecker holes in trees. They are about 16-20 inches with the males are mostly bright white plumage with a black back and a dark iridescent green head. There is a bold circular white patch on the face, forward of the eye. Females and immature males are mostly gray with a paler belly and dark brown head. Large white wing patches on the inner half of the wing are visible in flight. The courting male produces a shrill jeee-ep, with females producing a quack. They prefer summers on lakes and bogs in coniferous forests and they winter on coastal harbors and bays as well as inland waters. They breed from Alaska throughout Canada to Newfoundland and the northern United States on open waters. the goldeneye duck possesses a grandeur courtship display that can be watched in late winter or early spring among the floating patches of ice. As with other duck species there are many other types of courtship displays to watch for in the migration season. The common goldeneye duck’s scientific name is Bucephala clangula.
