Spatelente Thurgau

Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) is a sea duck of the genus Bucephala, closely related to the Common Goldeneye. For hunters in the DACH region, it is not a regular quarry species but an exceptional vagrant that should be documented rather than hunted.

Natural range: The species breeds mainly in northwestern North America, from Alaska south to Oregon and Wyoming, with a small isolated population in eastern Canada. Outside North America it breeds in southwest Greenland and on Iceland. Iceland, particularly around Lake Mývatn, hosts the only year-round European population, supported in part by traditional nest boxes mounted on local houses and barns. Most birds migrate short distances and winter on sheltered coastal waters or ice-free inland waters.

Vagrancy in Central Europe: Outside Iceland and parts of Scandinavia, Barrow's Goldeneye occurs in Europe only as a vagrant. Central European records are very scarce; a male shot near Hiddensee in March 1853 is traditionally cited as the first confirmed record. Additional vagrant observations are documented from Belgium, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The species is recorded somewhat more often, though still rarely, in Britain and Norway. Any plausible sighting in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland should be reported to the relevant national rarities committee with photographic evidence whenever possible.

Distinction from Common Goldeneye: In the field, confusion with the Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) is the central identification issue. Reliable separation is only possible for adult males in breeding plumage. The male Barrow's Goldeneye shows a head with a purple to violet gloss, whereas the male Common Goldeneye shows a clearly green-glossed head. The white loral patch between bill and eye is crescent-shaped in Barrow's, extending upward and ending in a point above the eye, while in the Common Goldeneye it is small, rounded, and positioned in front of the eye. Barrow's also shows a darker shoulder pattern with a row of white spots rather than a continuous white panel. Females, juveniles, and immature males of the two species are not safely separable under field conditions and should be recorded with appropriate caution.

Protection status and field practice: In Germany, Barrow's Goldeneye is listed under the Federal Hunting Act but is subject to year-round protection, with no open season at any time. It may not be shot, captured, or disturbed at its resting sites. Given the high risk of confusion with the Common Goldeneye, hunters are advised to apply particular care when identifying diving ducks on inland waters and coastal sites and to refrain from shooting whenever the identification is not certain. Credible sightings should be photographed and submitted to the responsible rarities committee so that this rare occurrence is properly documented.