Barrow's goldeneye
Scientific name: Bucephala islandica
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Male has glossy black head with white facial crescent, black back, and white underparts; female is brown-grey with chocolate head and small white patch behind eye. Both show white wing patches in flight.
Size and weight
Males 45–48 cm, 680–1,000 g; females 41–46 cm, 560–770 g.
Habitat
Cold-water lakes, rivers, and coastal inlets in subarctic and arctic regions, often near rocky shores or tundra margins. Prefers deep, clear water with minimal vegetation.
Distribution
Circumpolar arctic and subarctic breeder from Greenland through Iceland, Scandinavia, and Russia to Alaska and northern Canada. Winters on open water at lower latitudes.
Diet
Primarily benthic invertebrates (chironomid larvae, amphipods, isopods) and small fish; diet shifts to more fish in winter.
Behaviour
Highly aquatic and gregarious; dives to 3–9 m to forage on lake and river beds. Most active at dawn and dusk; forms tight flocks in winter.
Hunting tips
Glass deep, clear lakes and coastal waters in early morning; listen for distinctive rattling or croaking calls. Approach from downwind along shoreline; decoys work well on calm water. During dive-feeding cycles, predict surfacing locations and position accordingly.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
- noIslandskvinand
- svIslandsknipa
- daIslandsk hvinand
- fiIslannintelkkä
- deSpatelente
- frGarrot d'Islande
- esPorrón islándico
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.