Eurasian Wigeon

Eurasian Wigeon, male, Orange County CA, January

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1. Cool Facts
2. Description
3. Sound
4. Range
5. Other Names

Common and widespread in the Old World, the Eurasian Wigeon is a sporadic visitor to North America. Regular in very small numbers along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, single individuals have turned up in nearly all states and provinces.

Cool Facts

• Although the Eurasian Wigeon has not yet been found breeding in North America, it is possible that some do. The Eurasian Wigeons seen each year in North America likely come from eastern Siberia and Iceland.

Description

• Size: 42-52 cm (17-20 in)
• Weight: 500-950 g (17.65-33.54 ounces)

• Medium-sized duck.
• Male with dark reddish head and buffy crown.
• Gray sides.
• Black rear end bordered by white.
• Large white patch in wings.

Sex Differences

Male brightly patterned with red face and buff crown stripe; female dull gray and brown.

Immature

Similar to adult female.

Sound

High, scratchy, whistling "whe-o." Female quacks.

Range

Summer Range

Breeds across northern Eurasia.

Winter Range

Winters in southern Europe, northern Africa, and southern Asia. A few in North America.

Other Names

Canard siffleur (French)
Wigeon, Widgeon, European Widgeon (English)

Sources used to construct this page:

Bellrose, F. C. 1976. Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA.