Wigeons

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Wigeons are dabbling ducks, and two different species are found in the United States.

The American Wigeon (Anas americana) is the more common of the two. It is found throughout the United States with the bulk of the population found in the West.

Field identification is fairly easy. Males have green heads with a white patch on the top. Females have brown feathers. Both have grayish bills with black tips.

Wigeon also produce distinct vocal sounds. Rather than quacking like the stereotyical duck, they make a noise that sound like a squeak toy. Hearing is believing.

Like most dabbling ducks, wigeons eat grains, grasses and some aquatic insects.

Eurasian Wigeons (Anas penelope) are more commonly found in Africa, Europe and Asia rather than the United States.

Small populations are found on both the Northern Atlantic and Pacific coastal areas of the United States during the winter.

Males have a distince cinnamon color head, again with the white patch on top.

Look for them with flocks of American Wigeons. They are fairly rare or uncommon visitors.

© 2005-2008 Patricia A. Michaels