Eurasian Wigeon
Least ConcernMareca penelope
Visual Identification
Eurasian Wigeon
Appearance
The Eurasian Wigeon is a medium-sized duck with a distinctive appearance. Males have a chestnut-coloured head with a cream forehead and crown, grey body, and black rear end. Their wings feature a white patch visible in flight.
Females are predominantly mottled brown, lacking the male's striking colouration. They are also typically smaller than males. Both sexes have a blue-grey bill with a black tip and grey legs. In eclipse plumage, males resemble females but retain their wing pattern.
Juveniles are similar in appearance to females. By their first winter, young males develop the distinctive grey body and chestnut head of adult males, but it takes a further year for the white wing markings to be fully defined.
Size
Length
42cm to 51cm
Wingspan
71cm to 85cm
Weight
500g to 900g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Eurasian Wigeons breed across northern Europe and Asia, from Iceland to Siberia. They prefer shallow freshwater wetlands, lakes, and coastal lagoons for breeding. During winter, they migrate to temperate and subtropical regions.
Large numbers winter in the UK, particularly along the east and south coasts. They are also found in coastal areas of western Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and parts of southern Asia during non-breeding seasons.
The Somerset Levels are known as a favourite spot for wintering wigeons, with tens of thousands being recorded in some years. UK breeding Wigeons can be found in central and northern Scotland and parts of northern England, where up to 400 pairs breed each year.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Eurasian Wigeons are primarily herbivores that feed on aquatic plants and grasses. They often graze on land, consuming grass, leaves, and seeds. During the breeding season, some small insects, particularly midges, are eaten.
In water, they dabble in submerged vegetation and occasionally small aquatic invertebrates. Their short bill is adapted for efficient grazing on short grasses.
In winter, grazing Eurasian wigeons eat seeds, rice, potatoes and even droppings of seagulls. Feeding occurs during both the day and night in winter months, according to the timing of the tides.
Behaviour
Eurasian Wigeons are highly gregarious, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season. They are primarily grazers, frequently seen feeding on land near water bodies.
These ducks are known for their distinctive whistling call, which is often heard before the birds are seen.
Vocalisation
The Eurasian Wigeon's call is highly distinctive. Males produce a melodious, far-carrying whistle described as 'whee-oo' or 'wee-wee-wee'. This whistle gives the species its alternative name 'whistling duck'. Females make a low, guttural 'growl' or 'purr', often in response to the male's call.
Nesting & Breeding
Eurasian Wigeons form pairs during winter or early spring, often returning to previous breeding sites. The breeding season typically begins in May. Females select nest sites on the ground, usually well-hidden in dense vegetation near water.
The nest is a shallow depression lined with grass and down. Females lay 8-9 cream-coloured eggs, which they incubate alone for about 24-25 days. They will leave the eggs for a short period to forage in the nearby water. Males usually depart once incubation begins.
Ducklings are precocial, leaving the nest within 24 hours of hatching. They can feed themselves but remain under maternal care for about 45-50 days until they fledge.
Lifespan
The Eurasian Wigeon typically lives for 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 35.2 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Eurasian Wigeons face threats from habitat loss and degradation, particularly in their breeding grounds. Climate change may also impact their migration patterns and breeding success.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and managing hunting practices.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Eurasian Wigeons in shallow wetlands, coastal areas, and grassy fields near water.
- Listen for their characteristic whistling call, which sounds like a high-pitched 'whee-oo'.
- In the UK, observe large flocks during winter months in estuaries and coastal marshes.
- Use the male's distinctive cream forehead and chestnut head as key identification features.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Wigeon, Whistling Duck
Family:
AnatidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Eurasian Wigeons are known to 'steal' food from diving ducks by waiting for them to surface with aquatic plants.
- They can fly at speeds of up to 75 km/h (46 mph) during migration.
- In the UK, Eurasian Wigeons are sometimes called 'baldpates' due to the male's pale forehead.
- The name ‘wigeon’ is thought to be derived from the Middle French or Old French words vigeon, vingeon and vignier, meaning “to whine or shout”, which echoes the sharp, piercing whistle made by males of the species.
- Male wigeons are known as drakes. Flocks of wigeons are called ‘bunches’.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Mareca penelope (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22680157A111892532.
View source - 3 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source