Are these Barrow's Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye? (1 Viewer)

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littlebitrv

Well-known member

• Jan 4, 2008

• #1

These where taken 01-03-08 at Goose Island State Park. Are these Barrow's Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye? They look to me to be more like Barrow's Goldeneye but they have no crescent. I need to know which they are for sure.
Thanks for your time,
Marie

 

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Ken Hall

Well-known member

• Jan 4, 2008

• #2

Common Goldeneyes I reckon. Just wondering why you think they might be Barrows. I've seen thousands of Commons but only one Barrows here in the UK.

 

pabs

Registered Member

• Jan 4, 2008

• #3

I wouldn't like to say for 100% sure because of the quality of the shots but the photos suggest that both birds are indeed common goldeneye. The white spot on the head looks rounded and not more elongated as barrows. also the coverts appear to be mainly white on the first picture which would favour common goldeneye.
regards,
Paul
http://www.birdlist.co.uk

 

Lee J

Well-known member

• Jan 4, 2008

• #4

Both birds look like drake Common Goldeneye to me. White circular rather than cresent spot on the cheeks, and pattern on the back is wrong for Barrow's

 

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littlebitrv

Well-known member

• Jan 4, 2008

• #5

Thanks

Ken Hall said:

Common Goldeneyes I reckon. Just wondering why you think they might be Barrows. I've seen thousands of Commons but only one Barrows here in the UK.

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Because of the black " spur " It looked like it maybe and I'm still learning. I saw the round instead of the crescent but maybe I just wasn't sure. I thank all of you for the lesson and your help.
Marie

 

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bobsofpa

Well-known member

• Jan 4, 2008

• #6

Barrow's would be extremely unlikely (though there have been some reports) in Texas. That is, I believe Goose Island State Park is in Texas. You really should provide definitive location information.