Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Barrow's Goldeneye
Garrot d'Islande
Bucephala islandica
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
Life, Habitat & Pictures of North American Ducks
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18" 45.7cm | 28" 71cm | 2.1lb 952.5g | Anatidae | Bucephala islandica |
- Summer
- Year Around
- Winter
Distribution: The Barrow's Goldeneye is one of two goldeneye species seen in North America. The other is the Common Goldeneye. Both these waterfowl species are nicknamed "Whistlers" because of the sound of their wing beats. The Barrow's Goldeneye has an extended black line leading into its breast and is known as a "spur" and an elliptical white cheek patch instead of a rounded cheek patch like the Common Goldeneye. It is mostly a western bird and is seen from the western areas of the Northwest Territories, Yukon Territories, southern regions of Alaska. Most of British Columbia, the western border of Alberta and in the northwestern corner US states. There is also a small population in the northeastern area of the continent.
References to Other Bird Sites:
Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.
I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.
