Goldeneyes breed in small numbers in Scotland using nestboxes near lochs and rivers, with welfare linked to fish availability and nest site provision.
Goldeneye welfare at Scottish breeding sites depends on access to clean, fish-rich lochs with nestbox provision. Their colonisation of Scotland demonstrates how targeted nestbox programmes can create entirely new breeding populations with welfare benefits. Disturbance at nest sites in early spring affects incubating females. Lochs with reduced fish populations from acidification or pollution support fewer breeding pairs. Winter welfare for migrant populations depends on undisturbed foraging on estuaries and coastal lochs. Continued nestbox provision and loch habitat management sustain the welfare of this increasing breeding population.