Bird Guide

Eurasian Wigeon vs Falcated Duck

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
Falcated Duck (Mareca falcata)

Falcated Duck

Mareca falcata

Large646 gWetland

Males and females have similar lengths at 46 to 53 cm (18–21 in). Their weight can range from 422 to 770 g (14.9–27.2 oz), with males weighing more than their female counterparts. Wingspans range from 79 to 91 cm (31–36 in). The breeding male is unmistakable. Most of the body plumage is finely vermiculated grey, with the long sickle-shaped tertials, which give this species its name, hanging off its back. The large head is dark green with a white throat, and a dark green collar and bronzed crown. The vent region is patterned in yellow, black and white.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: grihahasanov · 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: Eurasian Wigeon and Falcated Duck.