Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula
Órshúileach

Status All Ireland: Has bred once (Northern Ireland only)
Population estimate all Ireland: 0-1 pairs

Survey Timing: May to July

Habitat: Inshore waters of Lough Neagh, but perhaps less so than most waterfowl. At Lough Neagh, some liking for islands noted.

Occurrence: Bred Lough Neagh, 2000, and a few individuals normally summer there without breeding, mainly at the north end.

Habitat preference (simple description of preferred nesting habitat): A hole-nester, usually in trees; in Scotland will use suitably designed nest-boxes.

Preferred ways to establish breeding status: Search for adult female escorting young on water.

J. Paul Hillis