Barrow’s Goldeneye
Scientific Name
Class
Order
Range
Habitat
Estimated Wild Population
More Information
Physical Description
Barrow’s goldeneyes were named for their bright yellow eyes, which contrast against their dark face. They are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females differ in appearance. During breeding season, males have dark purple, iridescent heads and dark faces with white patches. Females have olive heads, dark wings, and a white underside. These medium-sized duck spends much of their time in the water, where they forage for aquatic invertebrates and plants.
Interesting Fact 1
Barrow’s goldeneyes dive into shallow water to catch their prey.
Interesting Fact 2
Males attract females with elaborate breeding displays that include twisting and lifting their heads.
Interesting Fact 3
Females often return to the same elevated cavities, typically abandoned tree holes, to nest and lay eggs.
Commitment to Care
Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.
Support Your Zoo
Animals Depend On People Too
When you ADOPT an animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups.
Wish List
The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.
Take Action With Us
Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.
