Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelope
The Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope) is a common ducks, swans, and geese found in 119 countries, weighing about 770 g. The Eurasian wigeon or European wigeon, also known as the widgeon or wigeon, is one of three extant species of wigeon in the dabbling duck genus Mareca.
About the Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian wigeon or European wigeon, also known as the widgeon or wigeon, is one of three extant species of wigeon in the dabbling duck genus Mareca. It is common and widespread within its Palearctic range.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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.
What the Eurasian Wigeon sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Australia, Ghana, Greenland, Martinique, South Sudan, Anguilla, Cuba.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in April. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Eurasian Wigeon?
- 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). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Eurasian Wigeon?
- The Eurasian Wigeon is a large sized bird weighing about 770 g.
- Where can you see a Eurasian Wigeon?
- The Eurasian Wigeon occurs in 119 countries, including Sweden, the United Kingdom, Norway, the United States and Belgium.
- What does a Eurasian Wigeon sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Eurasian Wigeon on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Eurasian Wigeon?
- The Eurasian Wigeon is most easily confused with the American Wigeon, the Chiloe Wigeon and the Falcated Duck.
- Is the Eurasian Wigeon endangered?
- The Eurasian Wigeon is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Eurasian Wigeon for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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