Washington Gap Analysis Project's Predicted Distribution Map

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

Legend: = Core Habitat = Marginal Habitat Breeding Range Map The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped. Other maps: Breeding Bird Atlas NatureMapping observations during breeding season NatureMapping observations throughout the year

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

This species is a very rare breeder on ponds and lakes in northeastern Washington. They are limited to Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties.

The majority of Common Goldeneyes nest in north central and northeastern Canada, with the Washington population being a very small southwestern outlier. They are sparse breeders even in suitable habitat. The scarcity of this species as a breeder in Washington was the reason for not modeling the habitat. The most unusual breeding record was noted in a piling on the Pend Oreille River at Usk; this species is mostly encountered on wooded ponds and lakes as opposed to rivers. Great care should be taken in differentiating female Barrow's Goldeneye from female Common Goldeneye, as Barrow's is a common nester throughout this region. Therefore, no habitat was modeled for this species.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester