These
are active, strong-winged fliers moving singly or
in small flocks, often high in the air. Distinctive
wing-whistling sound in flight has earned the name
of whistlers. Goldeneyes generally move south late
in the season; most of them winter on coastal waters
and the Great Lakes. Inland, they like rapids and
fast water.
Barrow's
goldeneye, predominantly a westerner, is less wary
than the common goldeneye. Hens of both species are
look-alikes. Drakes have a piercing speer-speer -
hens a low quack. Both are usually quiet.
