American Wigeon
Waterfowl Identification
The American Wigeon, Anas americana, drake has a distinctive white forehead with a deep green stripe running from the eye to the back. The body, chest, back and sides are light brown while the belly is white and the rump is black. Bold white shoulder patches on the drake are visible in flight. The hen is generally brown and has duller shoulder patches than the drake. Both sexes have stubby bills and slightly pointed tails.
These are nervous birds, quick to take alarm. Their flight is fast, irregular, with many twists and turns. In a bunched flock, their movements have been compared to those of pigeons.
When open water is handy, wigeons often raft up offshore until late afternoon when they move to marshes and ponds to feed. The white belly and forewing are very showy in the air.
Length: 21"
Weight: 1 3/4 lbs.
Photos
In Flight
Sounds
Drakes whistle; hens have a loud kaow and a lower qua-awk.