Common Goldeneye Welfare and Forest Nest Box Programs

The common goldeneye is a diving duck that breeds in tree holes and has established a small breeding population in Scotland, aided by nest box programs, demonstrating how targeted intervention can support range expansion.

Key Facts

Goldeneyes were first proven to breed in Scotland in 1970 and the population has grown to around 200 pairs
Nest box programs along Scottish rivers have been crucial in supplementing natural tree hole availability
Males perform elaborate courtship displays including head-throwing and jet of water from the bill
They dive for invertebrates and small fish in clear, cold rivers and lakes
Around 27,000 goldeneyes winter in the UK, arriving from Scandinavia and Russia from October

Welfare Considerations

Goldeneye welfare during breeding depends on the availability of tree holes or nest boxes near clear, invertebrate-rich water. Loss of veteran trees along river corridors eliminates natural nest cavities. The small Scottish breeding population is sensitive to predation of nesting females by pine martens and mink. Wintering goldeneyes depend on clear water with diverse invertebrate and small fish communities. Lead poisoning from ingested fishing weights is a documented welfare risk in diving duck populations.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB nest box programs for goldeneyes along Scottish rivers
Advocate for veteran tree retention along river corridors to maintain natural nest cavities
Contribute goldeneye breeding records to BTO surveys to track population growth
Back mink control programs at key breeding sites to reduce nest predation
Record wintering goldeneye counts at local freshwater sites during WeBS surveys