A wigeon is a medium-sized species of dabbling duck, known for feeding primarily at the water’s surface rather than diving. They are characterized by small, rounded heads and a short bill, suited for grazing on vegetation. Males display distinctive, brightly colored head plumage during the breeding season. Wigeons inhabit a wide variety of wetland environments across the globe.
Wigeon Species Around the World
Wigeons are classified under the genus Mareca, grouping them with relatives such as the Gadwall. There are three extant species, each occupying a distinct global range.
The American Wigeon (Mareca americana) is common across North America, breeding in the far north and wintering across the southern US, Mexico, and Central America. Its Old World counterpart is the Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope), which breeds across the northern Palearctic region of Europe and Asia. These two species occasionally hybridize where their ranges overlap during migration.
The third species is the Chiloé Wigeon (Mareca sibilatrix), named after the archipelago off the coast of Chile. This species inhabits the Southern Cone of South America, including Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile.
Identifying Physical Characteristics
Wigeons exhibit strong sexual dimorphism; males (drakes) are conspicuously colored in breeding plumage, while females (hens) maintain a duller, mottled brown appearance for camouflage. The males of the two most widespread species, the American and Eurasian Wigeons, are identified by unique head patterns.
American Wigeon
The male American Wigeon is nicknamed “baldpate” due to the striking, white crown and forehead stripe. This white patch is contrasted by a broad, iridescent green stripe extending from the eye toward the nape. The body is pale cinnamon or pinkish-brown, with a black rear end and a prominent white patch on the upper wing.
Eurasian Wigeon
The male Eurasian Wigeon possesses a chestnut-red head and neck. Its distinguishing feature is a creamy-yellow or gold forehead that stands out against the rufous coloring. The body is mostly gray with a pinkish breast. Both species share a small, pale bluish-gray bill with a black tip.
Chiloé Wigeon
The Chiloé Wigeon male features a striking iridescent green-blue cap, contrasting with white cheeks and forehead. Its breast is distinctly barred in black and white, and its flanks are a rusty orange-brown. Sexual dimorphism is less pronounced in this species compared to the others.
Preferred Habitats and Migration Patterns
Wigeons are highly adaptable birds that occupy a range of aquatic habitats throughout the year. During the breeding season, they favor shallow, freshwater areas like prairie wetlands, marshy sloughs, and tundra ponds. Nests are typically built on dry ground, concealed within tall grasses or shrubs.
In the non-breeding season, they expand their range to include coastal environments such as saltwater bays, estuaries, and large open lakes. They frequently exploit human-modified landscapes, congregating in flooded agricultural fields and managed wetlands. Their preference for grazing means they are often found near shorelines with accessible grasslands.
Wigeons are strongly migratory, traveling long distances between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas. For instance, American Wigeons breeding in Alaska and Canada migrate as far south as Central America. Southward movement often begins relatively early, starting in late August.
Wigeons are predominantly vegetarian, consuming the leafy parts and stems of aquatic plants, grasses, and agricultural crops. Their short, strong bills are adapted for grazing on land. They are also known for opportunistically “pirating” food snatched from diving ducks or coots.