Goldeneye is one of my favourite birds

4:41pm Friday 7th March 2008

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THERE is no doubt that late April through May to early June is one of the most exciting times in the year.

Bird migration is in full swing with many moving north to breed. This includes many wildfowl including one of my favourites - the Goldeneye.

Its scientific name of Bucephala Clangula is interesting. Bucephala means ox-head and the shape of the goldeneye's bill and forehead is unique. Examinations have found a large airspace behind the nostrils and connected to the sinuses. This could work like a diver's air supply and allow them to stay under water longer as it searches for food.

Both sexes have the bright golden eye from which the common name derives, but the sexes are easily distinguished.

The male looks black and white with a large round white spot on each cheek. The female is brownish grey while her head is chocolate colour.

Goldeneyes move to Northern Europe to breed, but despite global warming, more are raising young in Britain. The female chooses a nest hole high in a tree and she will also take kindly to nest boxes.

She incubates her seven to 14 eggs for about a month. As soon as they are dry the ducklings jump out of the nest and because they are so light they parachute to the ground.

Their mother waits for them at the bottom and remains with them for about 60 days, by which time they can fly and dive for food.