Barrow’s Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

The Barrow’s Goldeneye’s range throughout the year is much more limited than is the Common Goldeneye. The primary area occupied is in the northwest USA, though British Colombia, the Yukon and Central Alaska in Summer and the adjacent coast in winter. There is also a much smaller range near Ungava Canada that winters along the coasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Like its cousin, this bird usually nests in tree cavities in mature forests.

While the Barrow’s Goldeneye is primarily a North American species, I find it interesting that it was first discovered by western science in Iceland, where a small population lives year-round. Closely related to Bufflehead and Common Goldeneyes, the larger Barrow’s Goldeneye dominates any territory they may share with their relatives.

Despite their wide and disparate range, taxonomists classify the Barrow’s Goldeneye as monotypic (i.e. there are no subspecies).

To date, all my encounters with this species have come from my expeditions through Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming. My first meeting with Barrow’s Goldeneye was in 2005 in Midvale (Idaho), while travelling to Alaska. But it was in Klamath Falls (Oregon) where I’ve enjoyed my most intimate meetings and park along the Link River (actually a part of the Klamath River).

Barrow's Goldeneye - Bucephala islandica — **Barrow's Goldeneye**
*(Bucephala islandica)*

**Description:**
Male in water takeoff. New Meadows, Idaho 2005-05-21.
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**Date Taken:** 2005:05:21 13:28

**Location:**

Little Salmon River
New Meadows, Idaho
United States
3858.46 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D2X, 550 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250

**File Name:** JCD2521-BarrowsGoldenEye-3

© 2005 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging

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Pin It — **Barrow's Goldeneye**
*(Bucephala islandica)*

**Description:**
Male in water takeoff. New Meadows, Idaho 2005-05-21.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2005:05:21 13:28

**Location:**

Little Salmon River
New Meadows, Idaho
United States
3858.46 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D2X, 550 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250

**File Name:** JCD2521-BarrowsGoldenEye-3

© 2005 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging

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