Female Barrow’s Goldeneyes
probably don’t come much more distinctive than this bird
discovered in the bay just north of Fox Hill Point, Rye in December
2003. The bill was outstandingly orange-yellow and was the first
feature to catch my attention in the field. Several references,
including Waterfowl by Madge and Burn 1988, indicate that females with
an entirely orange-yellow bill (apart from the black nail) are from
Western populations rather than Eastern. Barrow’s Goldeneyes from Eastern
Canada and Iceland apparently should show a bicolored bill and
are more difficult to distinguish from Common Goldeneye.
are more difficult to distinguish from Common Goldeneye.
Note the bright orange-yellow bill and dark chocolate brown head.
Throughout these images, it’s interesting to note how the head shape changes with posture and attitude.
A nice profile shot showing the distinctive head and bill shape. The bill is rather short, and the
forehead especially steep and the head color looks especially dark from this angle.
4) Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica). Rye Coast, New Hampshire, December 4th, 2003.
A sweet find on a raw day on the New Hampshire Coast.
All images © James P. Smith.
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