Barrow’s Goldeneye

Identification

Barrow's goldeneye is a medium-sized sea duck with striking sexual dimorphism. Adult males are unmistakable, featuring a dark head with a purplish gloss and a distinctive white crescent marking at the front of the face. Females are more subdued in appearance, with a mostly yellow bill and a characteristically rounded head shape. Males average 19.2 inches (49 cm) in length and weigh around 2.13 pounds (970 g), while females are slightly smaller at 17 inches (43 cm) and 1.31 pounds (590 g). The species shares close resemblance to the common goldeneye, but males differ notably in having less black on the back, a purplish rather than greenish gloss, and a smaller bill. The wingspan ranges from 27.6 to 28.7 inches (70–73 cm).

Barrow's goldeneye is a relatively quiet species, producing vocalizations primarily during breeding season and courtship, including low-volume squeaks, grunts, and croaks. In flight, the rapid wing movements create a distinctive low whistling sound that can aid in field identification.

Range & Habitat

Barrow's goldeneye breeds in wooded lakes and ponds primarily in northwestern North America, with scattered populations in eastern Canada and Iceland. In Iceland, the species is known locally as húsönd (house-duck) and is particularly common at Lake Mývatn in the north. Females display remarkable site fidelity, returning to the same breeding sites and nesting locations year after year. The species is an arboreal nester, preferring cavities in mature trees, though it will also utilize ground burrows and protected sites.

This migratory species winters in protected coastal waters and open inland waters across its range. Barrow's goldeneyes rely heavily on urbanized coastal estuaries as crucial stopover points during migration, which provide essential resources for winter survival. The species is an extremely rare vagrant to western Europe and southern North America, with only three accepted records from Scotland representing the only wild occurrences in Europe outside Iceland.

Behaviour & Diet

These diving ducks forage underwater for a varied diet comprising aquatic insects, crustaceans, pond vegetation, mussels, and gastropods. The primary dietary staples are marine crustaceans, particularly Gammarus oceanicus and Calliopius laeviusculus, with mussels and other mollusks comprising a substantial portion of their intake. Mating pairs demonstrate strong bonds and often remain together despite extended separations during summer molting periods, reuniting at wintering areas. Males stay with their mates through winter and defend territories during breeding season before departing for dedicated molting sites.

Barrow's goldeneyes are notably territorial birds, particularly among males, and tend not to share habitat with the more numerous common goldeneye. Confrontations between birds can escalate to physical fighting. Drakes perform territorial displays averaging about six minutes in length, both on land and water, which often trigger displays from neighboring males. After breeding, birds migrate to specific molting sites—typically drought-resistant wetlands with abundant food and minimal human disturbance—where they remain flightless for 20–40 days during feather regeneration.

Best Time & Places to See It

For travelers seeking Barrow's goldeneye, Iceland offers the most reliable opportunities, particularly at Lake Mývatn in the north, where the species is common year-round. Northwestern North America provides excellent viewing during breeding season in wooded lake and pond habitats. Winter observations are best pursued in coastal waters and protected estuaries where the species congregates. The breeding season and courtship period offer opportunities to witness the characteristic territorial displays and behavioral interactions between males.

Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts should focus on sheltered coastal areas and estuaries during migration periods and winter months, when birds gather in higher concentrations. Iceland remains the most accessible location for reliable sightings of this fascinating species outside its North American stronghold.

Photography Tips

The striking plumage of male Barrow's goldeneyes makes them rewarding photography subjects, particularly in clear light that showcases the purplish head gloss and white facial crescent. The species' diving behavior requires patience and anticipation—position yourself where birds are actively foraging in clear water to capture underwater hunting sequences. Early morning and late afternoon light are ideal for capturing the iridescent head coloration of males.

Winter and migration periods provide opportunities to photograph birds in coastal settings against dramatic backdrops. The distinctive wing whistling in flight can alert photographers to incoming birds, allowing for preparation. Lake Mývatn in Iceland offers unique opportunities for close approaches and captures of the species in scenic landscape settings. Females, though less colorful, display elegant proportions and are worth photographing to document sexual dimorphism within the species.