I have a client that has brought 4 Goldeneye to be mounted. 2 drakes and 2 hens. He claims that one of the hens is a barrows. There is a difference in the size of each but I can't find specific tell all signs of the actual differences between the two from all my refs. So if anyone knows what to look for please let me know. The main reason I also need to Know is that my client wants to mount the "Barrows"? separate from the others and put it under glass with an expensive habitat.
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tell him to id it...
The adult female is difficult to distinguish from the female of the Common Goldeneye, particularly during the breeding season. During this time, its orange beak turns blackish like that of its relative. Hence, only a detailed observation of the bird's general structure (shape of the beak and head) and the colouring of its upper body (wings and coat) will make it possible to distinguish a female Barrow's Goldeneye from a female Common Goldeneye. Adult male may be confused with male Barrow's Goldeneye but Common Goldeneye has oval rather than crescent white patch on head, more white on secondaries, and head more peaked with a longer, sloped bill. I did find this link for you to try that might shed some light.
http://www.taxidermy.net/forums/BirdTaxiArticles/04/c/042C507905.html
I have seen many goldeneyes. The hens of both species have always looked alike. With north atlantic coastal birds I'd have to say that there is a lot of interbreeding of the two goldeneye species.
So the best hen can be a Barrows if you want. In your situation the "customer is always right". And your being paid for the mounting. Once paid for the owner can call it a beefcake if they want to.