BIRDS OF ICELAND : Bucephala islandica, Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica; the Barrow's Goldeneyes can be found in Northern America and on Iceland. In the rest of Europe it is a rare visitor. They are of course closely related to the common European goldeneye which can also be found on Iceland in low numbers. The Barrow's goldeneye is typically a common bird of the Mývatn Lake where there is abundant insect food as well as mollusks and crustaceans. They breed in lava crevasses and other suitable protected areas. It is worthwhile to notice that the common European goldeneye breeds (Scandinavia and north-eastern Europe) in tree hollows. However, the birches growing near Mývatn are to small to create suitable hollows so the Barrow's has to contend with other "hollows" provided by nature or mankind (buildings like sheds and farmhouses). They are residents and in winter time they move to non-frozen lakes and rivers.