©
Nigel Key American Wigeon
(Slimbridge March 2011)
The American Wigeon is a species of dabbling duck. The wigeon can be identified from other dabblers by its round head, small bill and short neck.
The Wigeon often gather with coots and divers on the water and are known to feed off vegetation brought to the surface whilst the divers are feeding.
The American Wigeon is also known as the 'baldpate' due to the light patch on top of its head.
| Hear the American Wigeon's Call:- |
|
|
Conservation Status
Size
420mm to 590mm (17" to 23")
Appearance - Male
The male American Wigeon has a Green stripe running from the eye down down the nape of the neck and a Cream coloured cap from its crown to its bill.
The bill is pale Blue with a Black tip, the throat and cheeks are a Black spotted Creamy White colour. The breast and flanks are a Pinkish Brown with the undersides being White. The legs and feet are Grey.
Appearance - Female
The female American Wigeon has mostly Grey Brown plumage, a White belly, pale Blue bill with a Black tip and Grey legs and feet.
Habitat
Wetlands, Marshes, Wet Grasses and Lakes in North America and Canada.
Diet
Mainly Aquatic Plants, Seeds, Algae, Sedges, and some Insects and Larvae. Also grazes on Pasture Grasses.
Breeding Time
End of May to early June.
Nest
The nest is constructed on the ground from grasses and twigs and lined with down.
Eggs
Quantity: 5 to 7
Colour: Creamy-White.
American Black Duck
