The Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) is an average-size diving duck. The drake has a black back with white spots, white chest and flanks as well as a purplish head with a white crescent at the base of the beak. The back and flanks of the female are light brown whereas its head is darker brown.
Barrow's goldeneyes nest and winter in Canada, especially in the western region of the Rockies. Many are found in Québec, a province favoured during the species nesting period. During that time, the drake leaves for its mutation period leaving the female the abundance of food. The barrow's goldeneye mostly eats invertebrates (aquatic insects, crustaceans, and molluscs found in coastal waters).
During the reproduction, the species settles down in small fish-free alkaline lakes located prior to drainage bassins and in forests containing white birch and moss spruce that are located north of the St-Lawrence estuary and Gulf. Between 6 and 12 are laid in cavities of highly decomposed trees. Females take care of the brooding (30 days) and raising of the ducklings. The barrow's goldeneye couples last only one year. XSign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …
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