PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

 
 
 
   
 
Scientific Name Common Name Global Rank State Rank Federal Status WI Status Animal Group

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

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Photo by USFWS

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), Special Concern in Wisconsin, is a medium-sized diving duck with a chunky body and a large head. Males are white with a black back and greenish-black head with a white spot on each side of the face. Females have a light-brown head, a white belly, breast, and flanks, interfaced with a gray back, wings and tail. Both sexes have distinctive bright yellow to pale yellow eyes. This species is an uncommon breeder in Wisconsin that nests in cavities with most individuals seen here during migration or winter. During the breeding season, it is found near ponds, lakes, and rivers in woodland areas. Clutch size is 5 eggs that are incubated by the female for 28-32 days. The species is threatened by the impacts of pesticides, deforestation, and decreased water quality. The recommended avoidance period is April 10 - July 10.

 
 
 

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.