Bird Guide

American Wigeon vs Gadwall

American Wigeon (Mareca americana)

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
Gadwall (Mareca strepera)

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

Large916 gWetland

The gadwall is 47–58 cm (19–23 in) long with a 78–85 cm (31–33 in) wingspan. The male is slightly larger than the female, weighing on average 990 g (35 oz) against her 850 g (30 oz). The breeding male is patterned grey, with a black rear end, light chestnut wings, and a brilliant white speculum, obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the drake looks more like the female, but retains the male wing pattern, and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown, with plumage much like a female mallard.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0
Photo: Jared Shorma · CC BY 4.0

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