Bird Guide

Chiloe Wigeon vs Gadwall

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
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

Sonogram of the Gadwall
Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Song · Saint-Jean-le-Thomas, Manche, Normandie, France · CC0
Photo: Matti Virtala · CC0

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 Gadwall.