GOLDEN-EYE 



GOLDEN-EYE. Clangula glaucion (Linnaeus). 



129 



Coloured Figures. Gould, ' Birds of Great Britain,' vol. v, 

 pi. 31 ; Dresser, ' Birds of Europe,' vol. vi, pi. 440 ; 

 Lilford, ' Coloured Figures,' vol. vii, pi. 48 ; Booth, 

 'Kough Notes,' vol. iii, pi. 13. 



As a winter-migrant the Golden-eye is tolerably plenti- 

 ful, and may be met with round our coasts between October 

 and April. It inhabits river, lake, and tide, delighting in 

 the smooth waters of sheltered bays and estuaries. It is a 

 somewhat difficult Duck to approach, but with the aid of 



FIG. 17. GOLDEN-EYE. 



a field-glass, can be distinguished by a white patch in front 

 of the eye, very conspicuous in the adult male, while its 

 bright eye of golden-yellow can be discerned some little 

 distance off. 



The Golden-eye may be watched from the shore of a 

 small lake, but being very wary can be observed to the best 

 advantage only from the ambush of a large rock or other 

 available cover. Like the Tufted Duck, it appears on 

 the water as a short, thickset bird, and from its black and 

 white plumage has also been named by sportsmen the 



9 



