Wildlife - Species
Species Specific Regulations
Goldeneye
Licenses: Hunting License required. Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) that is validated by the hunter signing the stamp in ink across the face of the stamp
Limits: Please see Migratory Bird Regulations for any game zones restrictions or Limitations.
Goldeneye
Common: (Bucephala clangula) Barrow's:
(Bucephala islandica)
Description
These are active, strong-winged fliers moving singly
or in small flocks, often high in the air. Distinctive
wingwhistling sound in flight has earned the name
of whistlers. Barrow’s goldeneye,
predominantly a westener,
is less wary than the
common goldeneye. Hens of both species are
look-alikes.
Average Size
Common Goldeneyes have an average length of 19 inches and an average weight of 2 1/4 pounds. Barrow's Goldeneyes have an average length of 19 inches and an average weight of 2 3/4 pounds
Preferred Habitat
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.
Typical Flock Pattern
Wings
Food Habits
Flocks often feed in early morning and late afternoon in nearby harvested fields, returning to marshes and creeks to spend the night.
Miscellaneous
Drakes have a piercing speer-speer—hens a low quack. Both are usually quiet.
Publications and Literature
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Federal Duck Stamp Office Presents: North American Waterfowl
South Carolina waterfowl hunters 16 and older are required by state law to obtain a state migratory waterfowl permit and Migratory Game Bird permit. Both permits must be in the hunter's possession while hunting or transporting legal waterfowl. A state waterfowl permit is included with the Lifetime Senior, Lifetime Gratis and Disability Licenses. S.C. residents who hold a Lifetime Senior or Lifetime Gratis License are not required to have a Migratory Game Bird permit.
National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP)
The waterfowl permits and HIP permits are available from select DNR offices and from hunting and fishing license agents.
Dean Harrigal - Waterfowl Biologist
SCDNR
585 Donnelley Drive
Green Pond, SC 29446
Phone: 843-844-8957
Fax: 843-844-2525
E-mail: harrigald@dnr.sc.gov