The Goldeneye is unique among Swedish ducks in being a hole nester — it does not build on the ground but uses ready-made cavities high above the water.
Site: in old woodpecker holes and natural tree holes, often several metres up, and readily in erected Goldeneye nest boxes by lakes and rivers.
Construction: the female builds no real nest but lays the eggs on the floor of the cavity, lined with down from her own breast.
Breeding: the female normally lays 8–11 eggs and incubates for 29–30 days, and the young jump down from the nest opening and reach the water unharmed just a couple of days after hatching.