This Old World species is very similar to American Wigeon, and often associates (and sometimes hybridizes) with that species. Male: Drakes have a deep rust-colored head with a buffy crown. The back and sides are gray and finely barred. There is a clear line of demarcation between the rose-colored breast and gray sides. In Summer and early Fall adult males assume a cryptic female-like appearance. Female: Usually displays a warm brown head which blends seamlessly into the brown breast and sides. This is very different from American Wigeon female, which shows a stark contrast between the grayish head and brown breast. Some female Eurasian Wigeons have a grayish head, and appear very similar to American Wigeons. These birds are best differentiated in flight. Grayish wing linings distinguish Eurasian Wigeons from American Wigeons, which have white wing linings.

Length: 46 (cm) Wingspan: 76 (cm)

Voice:

The male gives an emphatic, descending whistle WHEEER!

Habitat:

Wetlands, grassy fields, urban waterfront parks

Behavior:

Usually found with large flocks of American Wigeons. Sizable flocks sometimes form along the Pacific Northwest coast.

Feeding:

Diet is mostly plant matter, taken by dabbling on the water’s surface or grazing in fields.