Eurasian Wigeon Bird Facts (Mareca penelope)

Visual Identification

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

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Brown Grey White

Secondary Colour

Green Black

Beak Colour

Blue Grey

Leg Colour

Grey

Primary Colour (Female)

Brown

Secondary Colour (Female)

Buff

Beak Colour (Female)

Blue Grey

Leg Colour (Female)

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Eurasian Wigeon is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Eurasian Wigeon is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Eurasian Wigeon can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Eurasian Wigeon can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Eurasian Wigeon is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Eurasian Wigeon is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Eurasian Wigeon can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Eurasian Wigeon is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Eurasian Wigeon is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Eurasian Wigeon is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Eurasian Wigeon is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Eurasian Wigeon is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Eurasian Wigeon. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Passage

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Algeria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bhutan Brunei Cambodia Chad China Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Egypt Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Japan Jordan Kenya Kuwait Laos Latvia Lebanon Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritania Morocco Myanmar Nepal Netherlands Niger Nigeria North Korea Norway Pakistan Philippines Poland Romania Russia Senegal Singapore Slovenia South Korea Spain Sudan Sweden Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand The United Kingdom Turkey Ukraine Uzbekistan Vietnam Western Sahara Yemen

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Georgia Kazakhstan Mongolia Turkmenistan

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Afghanistan Albania Armenia Austria Bahrain Bangladesh Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Cyprus Guam Iran Luxembourg Macedonia Micronesia Montenegro Northern Mariana Islands Oman Palau Palestine Portugal Qatar Saudi Arabia Serbia Slovakia South Sudan Sri Lanka Switzerland Tunisia United Arab Emirates

Species that pass through the area during migration

Kyrgyzstan

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Antigua and Barbuda Barbados Bermuda Burundi Cameroon Canada Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ghana Greenland Guadeloupe Haiti Marshall Islands Martinique Mexico Montserrat Papua New Guinea Puerto Rico Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Somalia Spain Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Uganda United States of America Venezuela

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Eurasian Wigeon demonstrates considerable agility, particularly in flight. Their ability to fly at speeds up to 75 km/h (46 mph) during migration and perform swift manoeuvres to evade predators suggests a high level of aerial dexterity.

Strength 60

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst not exceptionally strong for their size, Eurasian Wigeons possess moderate strength. Their ability to undertake long-distance migrations and their robust build for a medium-sized duck indicate a respectable level of strength.

Adaptability 80

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

These birds show remarkable adaptability. They thrive in various habitats, from freshwater wetlands to coastal areas, and can adjust their diet from aquatic plants to terrestrial grasses. Their ability to 'steal' food from diving ducks also demonstrates adaptive behaviour.

Aggressiveness 40

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Eurasian Wigeons are generally not considered aggressive birds. They are highly gregarious, forming large flocks outside the breeding season. However, they may display some territorial behaviour during breeding, hence the moderate score.

Endurance 85

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Eurasian Wigeon exhibits impressive endurance. Their long-distance migratory habits, flying from northern breeding grounds to temperate and subtropical wintering areas, coupled with their ability to thrive in various climates, from subarctic to temperate zones, indicate high endurance levels.

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.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

2,800,000 - 3,300,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

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:

Anatidae

Average Lifespan

3 years

Max Lifespan

35.2 years ^[4]

Predators

Main predators include foxes, large gulls, and birds of prey such as peregrine falcons and marsh harriers.

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’.

References

1
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Mareca penelope (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22680157A111892532.
View source
2 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International
4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source