Bird Guide

Chiloe Wigeon vs Eurasian Wigeon

Chiloe Wigeon (Mareca sibilatrix)

Chiloe Wigeon

Mareca sibilatrix

Large923 gWetland

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
Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope)

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

Large770 gWetland

This 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). The breeding male has grey flanks and back, with a black rear end, a dark green speculum and a brilliant white patch on upper wings, visible in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white belly, and a chestnut head with a creamy crown. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the drake looks more like the female. The female is light brown, with plumage similar to that of a female American wigeon.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Eurasian Wigeon
Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Call, flight call · Miniac-Morvan, Ille-et-Vilaine, Bretagne, France · CC0
Photo: Jaana Siitonen · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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