Barrow's Goldeneye

Overview

Barrow's goldeneye is a striking diving duck of western and northern waters, a prized and less common cousin of the common goldeneye. Fast, hardy and handsome, a drake with its crescent face patch is a coveted addition to a diver hunter's strap.

Identification & Appearance

Drakes are glossy black-and-white with a purple-sheened head and a bold white crescent (not a round spot) in front of the eye; hens are gray with a brown head and mostly yellow bill. The crescent face patch separates drakes from common goldeneye.

Range & Habitat

They winter on cold rivers, lakes and coastal waters mainly in the West and Northeast, diving for shellfish and aquatic insects in clear, cold water.

Behavior & Sign

Barrow's goldeneye are fast, wary divers that trade low over the water in small groups and decoy to diver spreads. Their wings whistle in flight.

Hunting Seasons & Timing

Hunted in the regular duck seasons of late fall and winter over open water and rivers.

Hunting Methods

Diver decoy spreads on open water and rivers, layout or shoreline blinds, and pass-shooting fast birds trading along the water.

Gear & Optics

A 12-gauge with steel #2 to #4, diver decoys and open-water or river hunting gear with cold-weather layers.

Shot Placement & Field Care

Lead fast birds and recover divers quickly in cold water; breast the birds.

Meat & Eating Quality

Goldeneye are shellfish-and-insect feeders and moderately strong; usually breasted and cooked with care.

Where Hunters Go Wrong

Under-leading fast divers and confusing Barrow's with common goldeneye on the strap.

Regulations & Conservation

Managed under the migratory duck framework with seasons and limits. Confirm current federal and state regulations before hunting. We do not give legal advice.

FAQ

Barrow's or common goldeneye? Barrow's drakes have a white crescent face patch, not a round spot.

Where are they common? Mostly western and northern cold waters.