Eurasian Wigeon

Basic Description

The Eurasian Wigeon, also known as the Common Wigeon, is a medium-sized duck species that belongs to the family Anatidae. Adult males have a distinctive plumage of white and chestnut colors with a green patch on their forehead, while females are more subdued with brownish-gray feathers. Both genders have bluish bills with black tips.

Where To Find This Bird

Eurasian Wigeons breed in northern Europe and Asia and migrate southwards during winter to coasts and inland waters across western Europe, North Africa, India, China, Japan, and Korea. They’re also occasionally spotted in northeastern North America during migration periods.

Habitat

During breeding season (May-July), Eurasian Wigeons choose shallow freshwater wetlands such as marshes or ponds surrounded by grassy vegetation for nesting sites. In wintering areas (October-March), they prefer estuaries or coastal bays with seagrass beds or eelgrass meadows for food availability and protection from harsh weather conditions.

Food

Eurasian Wigeons feed on aquatic plants like pondweeds, sedges, and algae as well as insects such as midges or beetles found near water surfaces. During migration months when plant growth is scarce in some locations along their route southward or northward movement respectively they may resort to feeding on grains from nearby fields too.

Cool Facts

– Male Eurasian wigeons produce an unusual whistling sound during courtship displays by rapidly flapping their wings above their backs while lowering their heads.
– These ducks can fly at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour which comes in handy while migrating long distances.
– Unlike some other duck species that form large flocks during winter months, Eurasian Wigeons tend to stick to smaller groups consisting of only a few dozen individuals.
– While they’re not considered threatened, the population size of Eurasian Wigeons is declining due to habitat loss and hunting pressure in some areas. Conservation efforts are underway to monitor their populations and protect their habitats for future generations.