Two female Common Goldeneyes with a male Common Goldeneye (top left) and a male Barrow’s Goldeneye (bottom right)

During the winter months, Goldeneyes and Mergansers are among the many diving ducks we see in and around Denver, and while they look similar, they also have several distinguishing characteristics.

Common Merganser

• More prevalent and slightly
  larger than Red-breasted
• Smooth top-of-head feathers
• White chest and neck
• Distinct demarcation of dark-
  colored head
• White patch on females’ chin
• Length: 21.3–27.9 inches
  Weight 31.8–76.2 ounces
  Wingspan: 33.9 inches

Red-breasted Merganser

• Shaggy top-of-head feathers
• Rusty cinnamon colored breast on male
• Brown-gray chest on female
• Length: 20.1–25.2 inches
  Weight: 28.2–47.6 ounces
  Wingspan: 26.0–29.1 inches

Common Goldeneye

• Forehead is smooth and rounded
• White patch below the eye is round
• Wings have slanted white box shapes
• Females have brown heads and gray bodies
• Goldeneyes are smaller than Mergansers
• Length: 15.8–20.1 inches
  Weight: 21.2–45.9 ounces
  Wingspan: 30.3–32.7 inches

Barrow’s Goldeneye

• Forehead is more steep and triangular
• White patch below the eye is crescent-shaped
• Wings have smaller, more subtle white dots
• Females have brown heads and gray bodies
• Length: 16.9–19.1 inches
  Weight: 20.5–46.6 ounces
  Wingspan: 27.6–28.7 inches

Bird Walks Feb. 3 and Mar. 2. Two-hour walk starts at 8am. Free, but you must RSVP at blufflake.org/birdwatching. All are welcome. Bring your own binoculars, or borrow a pair from your guide. 11255 MLK Blvd. Search FrontPorchNE.com for “Bird Sightings” to see all the past bird stories and photos from George Ho.