Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

Family: Ducks, Swans, and Geese · Status: Vagrant · Size: 45–51 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds across northern temperate Europe and Asia from Iceland to the Pacific coast, wintering to western and central Europe, the Middle East, equatorial Africa, the Indian subcontinent, southern China, Korea, Japan, Indochina, and the Philippines.

Identification

Male has bright chestnut head with broad yellowish median stripe, pinkish breast, grey-vermiculated upperparts and flanks, and black vent; bold white upperwing-coverts and dark green speculum are conspicuous in flight. Eclipse male is rich reddish-chestnut with darker upperparts. Female has plain cinnamon-brown head and neck, short grey bill with black tip, and chestnut-tinged breast and flanks. Juvenile resembles female but with mottled white underparts; first-winter males lack the white forewing until the second winter.

Habitat

Mudflats, mangroves, marshes and other wetland habitats.

Behaviour

Usually keeps to shallow waterside vegetation, feeding on small aquatic plants.