The mature male
goldeneye has an iridescent green head with a prominent white
patch between bill and eye. Its back is black and the neck and
underparts white or pale grey. The female has a mainly grey
body with a chestnut brown head. As the name suggest, the eyes
are golden yellow and the short bill and sloping forehead give
the head a triangular look. The flight of the goldeneye is rapid
and direct with a noticeable wing rattle. The light underparts
show up in flight.
I
am grateful to Eric Begbie who allowed us to use this information
which is reprinted from 'Fowler in the Wild'.
