Male and female common goldeneyes have distinct appearances. Male goldeneyes have a dark, iridescent green head (often appearing black in low light) with a prominent white patch in front of their eye, a white body, and a black back. Female goldeneyes have a brown head and a gray body, with a pale yellow eye. Both sexes have bright, amber-colored eyes, which gives them their name.

Male:
• Head: Dark, iridescent green (often appears black) with a white patch near the eye.
• Body: White, with a black back and flanks.
• Eyes: Bright, amber-colored.

Female:
• Head: Brown.
• Body: Gray.
• Eyes: Pale yellow.

Additional Features:
• Both sexes have a compact body, large head, relatively small bill, and a short tail.
• Their wings make a distinctive whistling sound in flight.
• They are diving ducks that forage in shallow waters.