Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica), Willow Lake, Yavapai County

This Barrow's Goldeneye was found on 05 March 2017 by Micah and Mark Rienger and photographed by Bryan Patrick on 06 March 2017

Very casual winter visitor in much of Arizona away from a few specific locations on the Colorado River where they winter annually in small numbers.

Identification of adult males is straightforward. This bird shows the typical crescent-shaped white spot on the face, limited white barring on the back, and black spur onto the breast. The structure also differs from Common Goldeneye, with a shorter spade-shaped bill, steep forehead, and long mane.

06 March 2017, photo by Bryan Patrick

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