common goldeneye
Bucephala clangula
The common goldeneye or simply goldeneye is a medium-sized sea duck of the genus Bucephala, the goldeneyes. Its closest relative is the similar Barrow's goldeneye.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_goldeneye
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Anseriformes
Family
Anatidae
Genus
Bucephala
common goldeneye belongs to the family Anatidae, order Anseriformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
The common goldeneye or simply goldeneye is a medium-sized sea duck of the genus Bucephala, the goldeneyes. Its closest relative is the similar Barrow's goldeneye. The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek boukephalos, a reference to the bulbous head shape of the bufflehead. The species name is derived from the Latin clangere.
The common goldeneye faces significant pressure from habitat loss due to wetland drainage, dam construction, and deforestation of boreal forests containing suitable nesting cavities. Climate change is altering the timing of ice-free periods and affecting prey availability, while pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities degrades water quality in critical breeding and wintering areas.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Boreal and temperate lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, requiring mature forests with tree cavities for nesting near freshwater bodies. During winter, the species utilizes sheltered coastal bays, estuaries, and ice-free inland waters with abundant aquatic invertebrates and small fish.
Threats
Deforestation reducing nesting cavity availability
Wetland habitat loss and degradation
Climate change affecting breeding timing and prey
Dam construction altering water flow regimes
Water pollution from agricultural and industrial sources
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/common-goldeneye