Diving ducks: numerous winterers

Photo: Arne Ader
Translation: Liis
 
Goldeneyes at sea. Hosby, Vormsi
 
   Goldeneye
Sõtkas     
   
 
Goldeneyes and long-tailed ducks are the most numerous winterers in Estonian coastal waters; seen from the shore there is movement all year round, in ice-free areas even in winter.
 

Diving duck species goldeneye nests in Estonia mostly at inland waters surrounded by forested lands. There are great numbers of passing migrants and around a couple of ten thousand remain to winter at the coast. The slightly triangular head shape of the goldeneyes is usually first noticed. It is easiest to recognise the male bird: a black head, shimmering in green, nearly round white patches on the cheeks. The rest of the plumage is black-and-white. The females and the young birds have a dark brown head, a white collar and white patches on the wings. The body plumage is dominated by grey-brown. A whistling sound from the wings accompanies the flight.



 

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