9 replies to this topic

[MWM]

Just curious about the purplish color of this Common Goldeneye. I know both Common & Barrow's usually have a greenish color, but my Sibley's guide shows a hybrid with a maroon colored head. The spot and back pattern here seems like pure Common Goldeneye, any ideas?

[creeker]

I think it's just the lighting. Like with a Mallard, the green head can appear purple, depending on the way the sun is hitting it. I believe it's called irridescent sheen.

[Cavan Wood]

Iridescence is reflected/defracted light and depends greatly on light intensity, angle, surroundings, polaraization and all kinds of physics stuff. The heads of all those ducks are black. Generally speaking, don't judge a duck by its iridescence. This is a full blown Common Goldeneye.

[BigOly]

Same things happens with Buffelheads.

[MWM]

I've noticed that with Bufflehead (this pic was also taken with Goldeneye yesterday morning), but had a dozen or so pics of the Goldeneye they they all look purplish, just thought that was odd. Thanks for the conformations.

[creeker]

Mark's Bufflehead male is a perfect example! The head is showing both green and purple.

[Pat B.]

I mis-read the thread title and was trying so hard to understand the "greenish" coloration of the EYE. I need more coffee.

[creeker]

I mis-read the thread title and was trying so hard to understand the "greenish" coloration of the EYE. I need more coffee.

LOL! I'm pouring another cup right now. Waiting out the rain and snow in the mountains here. I NEED to get out today!

[PoorMatty]

I think Bufflehead must have more iridescence than any other duck. I have seen green, purple, pink, blue, and gold on their heads, sometimes most or all of these colors at the same time. Really beautiful.

EDIT: Here's a particularly striking example I found (photo not mine):

http://www.gschneide...pg?m=1292890620

[JimBob]

I mis-read the thread title and was trying so hard to understand the "greenish" coloration of the EYE. I need more coffee.

I did too. . . but I can't have coffee. . . oye.