General

American Wigeon: Medium-sized dabbling duck with pale blue bill and white shoulder patches that are visible in flight. Male is brown with white crown, large green ear patch extending to back of head, buff washed breast and sides, and white belly. Female and juvenile are mottled brown with gray heads, brown breasts, and white bellies. Eclipse male resembles female but has small green ear patch.

Range and Habitat

American Wigeon: Breeds from Alaska, northern Manitoba and southern Quebec south to Nevada, the Dakotas, and the Great Lakes region, rarely farther east. Spends winters mainly along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts. Marshes, ponds, and shallow lakes are preferred habitats.

Listen to Call

Voice Text

"whew, whew, whew"

Interesting Facts

 The American Wigeon was formerly known as "Baldpate" because the white stripe on their crown resembles a bald man's head.

 Their short bill enables them to exert more force at the bill tip than other dabbling ducks, thus permitting efficient dislodging and plucking of vegetation.

 Their diet has a higher proportion of plant matter than the diet of any other dabbling duck.

 A group of ducks has many collective nouns, including a "brace", "flush", "paddling", "raft", and "team" of ducks.

Author

Gary Owen Dick