About the American Wigeon
The American wigeon, also known as the baldpate, is a species of dabbling duck found in North America. Formerly assigned to Anas, this species is classified with the other wigeons in the dabbling duck genus Mareca. It is the New World counterpart of the Eurasian wigeon.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The American wigeon is a medium-sized bird; it is larger than a teal but smaller than a pintail. In silhouette, the wigeon can be distinguished from other dabblers by its round head, short neck, and small bill. It is 42–59 cm (17–23 in) long, with a 76–91 cm (30–36 in) wingspan and a weight of 512–1,330 g (1.129–2.932 lb). This wigeon has two adult molts per year and a juvenile molt in the first year, as well. The breeding male (drake) is a striking bird with a mask of green feathers around its eyes and a cream-colored cap running from the crown of his head to his bill.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France, Finland, Netherlands, Morocco, Czechia, Isle of Man, Dominica, St. Barthélemy.
When to see it
Peak activity in March · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Eurasian WigeonMareca penelopeThis dabbling duck is 42–52 cm (17–20 in) long with a 71–80 cm (28–31 in) wingspan, and a weight of 500–1,073 g (1–2 lb).
GadwallMareca streperaThe gadwall is 47–58 cm (19–23 in) long with a 78–85 cm (31–33 in) wingspan.
Chiloe WigeonMareca sibilatrixThe Chiloé wigeon has a body length of 46 to 56 cm (18 to 22 in) and a wingspan of 75 to 86 cm (30 to 34 in).
Side by side: American Wigeon vs Gadwall · American Wigeon vs Eurasian Wigeon
Learn the American Wigeon for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.