About the Chiloe Wigeon
The Chiloé wigeon, also known as the southern wigeon, is one of three extant species of wigeon in the genus Mareca of the dabbling duck subfamily. This bird is indigenous to the southern part of South America, including the Chiloé Archipelago, from which it gets its name. In its native range, it is called the pato overo or pato real, although the latter name also refers to the Muscovy in the wild. Its specific epithet, sibilatrix, means 'whistler', referring to the bird's call.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The 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). The wing length is about 25 cm (9.8 in) and the weight is approximately 800 g (28 oz). This bird has an iridescent green-blue cap on its head, and a bluish gray bill with a black tip. The cheeks and forehead are white, the eyes are dark brown, and there is a white auricular patch. The neck and occipital part of the head are black. The breast is barred black and white and the plumage of the wings is gray and white. The flanks of males are rust colored, and light brown on females.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Chiloe Wigeon lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France, United States, Sweden, United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, Netherlands, Portugal, Peru, Italy, Lithuania.
When to see the Chiloe Wigeon
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Falcated DuckMareca falcataMales and females have similar lengths at 46 to 53 cm (18–21 in).
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).
American WigeonMareca americanaThe American wigeon is a medium-sized bird; it is larger than a teal but smaller than a pintail.
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