Common Goldeneye’s and Barrow’s Goldeneyes are often mixed up, and for good reason.
However, there are a few key features of these Ducks that make telling them apart simple and easy. Let’s get started, shall we?
White Patch
One of the best way to tell the difference between Common and Barrow’s Goldeneye’s is by looking at the patch that is on the head, that is next to the beak.
Looking at the two patches, notice how the patch of the Barrow’s Goldeneye is more slim and elongated than the Common Goldeneye’s, which is more wide.
Head Color
Common Goldeneye’s heads are unmistakably green.
Barrow’s Goldeneye’s heads are more of a blue/violet/green color.
Females
The best way to tell the difference between Goldeneye females is by looking at the bill.
Barrow’s Goldeneye females have primarily yellow bills, while Common Goldeneye female bills only have yellow on the tip.
Practice
Look at the following picture and figure out, by using the tips above, which Goldeneye this is. When you think you have the answer, scroll down to see the identity of the Goldeneye.
It is a…COMMON GOLDENEYE. The key feature that I looked at when IDing this Goldeneye was the white patch next to the bill. As stated above, Common Goldeneyes have a wider, rounder white patch than the Barrow’s Goldeneyes, which have slimmer, more elongated patches.
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