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Eurasian Wigeon
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| Anas penelope | |
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.
Interesting Information
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
Adult Description
Medium-sized duck.
Male with dark reddish head and buffy crown.
Gray sides.
Black rear end bordered by white.
Large white patch in wings.
Length Range: 46-51 cm (18-20 in)
Weight: 816 g (28.8 oz)
Size: Large (16 - 32 in)
Color Primary: Brown, Gray, Rufous or Rust
Underparts: White
Upperparts: Gray with fine black barring.
Back Pattern: Barred or banded
Belly Pattern: Solid
Breast Pattern: Solid
Immature
Similar to adult female.
Photo taken from: The Sibley Field Guide by David Allen Sibley
© 2002 - 2007 www.whatbird.com
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Habitat |
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Shallow freshwater wetlands, including ponds, marshes, and rivers. |
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Behavior |
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Courtship displays include tail-wagging, head-turning, wing-flapping, and sudden jumps out of the water. Feeds on vegetation at and just below surface. Submerges head and tips tail up to reach plants under surface. |
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Food |
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Aquatic plants; some insects and mollusks during the breeding season. |
Taxonomy
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Anseriformes |
| Family: | Anatidae |
| Subfamily: | Anserinae |
| Genus: | Anas |
| Species: | Anas penelope |
Similar Species |
American Wigeon |
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Bird Sound |
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High, scratchy, whistling "whe-o." Female quacks. |
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Eggs look like this |
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Photo taken from: ARCTOS Collaborative Collection Management Solution |
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Sources Used To Construct This Page |
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Bellrose, F. C. 1976. Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA. |
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| All photos and videos © Rick Swartzentrover - Free for non-profit use. | ||||
