American Wigeon vs Chiloe Wigeon

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

Large755 gWetland

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Donna Dewhurst, USFWS · Public domain

Chiloe Wigeon

Mareca sibilatrix

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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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Brian Ralphs from Wheaton, IL, USA · CC BY 2.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: American Wigeon and Chiloe Wigeon.