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Common Goldeneye
(Whistle-Wing, Whistler, Greathead, Garrot)
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Bucephala
Species: clangula
La. anser goose
La. forma form,
shape, kind
Gr. anous foolish
La. anas duck
Gr. bous ox
Gr. kephale head
Gr. boukephalos bull-headed,
large-headed
La. clangere to
resound (refers to
whistling
wings) |
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| About twenty inches long. Large black head and black back with iridescent
green tinge. The remainder is white. A white patch on each side between the eyes and the
bill. Goldeneyes inhabit the northern regions throughout the
Northern Hemisphere. The Common Goldeneye nests in the northern U.S., southern Alaska and
most of Canada and winters throughout Canada and as far south as California, Texas,
Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean. In Europe, Goldeneyes migrate south passing through
Switzerland to Italy.
Makes nests of grass, leaves and moss, lined with down in deep
cavities of decaying trees near rivers and fresh water lakes.
Lays six to twelve ashy green eggs which hatch after about a month of incubation.
Ducklings are led to water at a very young age and fly at about two months age.
Dives for fish, frogs, shell fish and tender plant roots and seeds. Also eats insects.
Excellent swimmers, spending most of their time in the water except to nest when their
poor walking abilities are revealed. They look comical, walking in a jerky motion slapping
their huge webbed feet their wings extended often falling over if hurried.
Tolerates cold weather well being driven only by frozen water.
Migrates in small flocks sometimes with other duck species. Wings produce a rhythmic
whistling in flight; otherwise a silent bird.
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| The Common Goldeneye Nestbox has a 12" by
12" floor, 24" inside ceiling, 5" wide by 4" high oval entrance hole
located 22" (to the top of the hole) above the floor and ventilation openings.
Assembled with corrosion resistant screws fit to pre-drilled countersunk pilot
holes. Hinged roof is secured with shutter hooks for easy access.
Mount at least 10 feet, higher if possible, on a
tree trunk, (6' to 8' if on a post above water), |
Common Goldeneye
Nestbox Plans
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in forest bottomlands within 100 feet of a river or a pond. Place some wood
chips on the floor. Squirrels may use this box.
Chester A. Reed
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