The American Wigeon (Mareca americana) is a common and widespread dabbling duck found throughout North America. It is a medium-sized duck with a stocky body and a round head. The male has a white crown, green eye patch, gray flanks, black rear end and a distinctive white shoulder patch on its wings that is very visible in flight. Females are mottled brown with a dull green speculum on the wings. American Wigeons are social ducks, forming large flocks in fall and winter. They frequent marshes, ponds, lakes and fields, where they feed mostly on plant material by dabbling in shallow water. Wigeons are distinguished from other ducks by their unique appearance and behaviors.
Distinguishing Physical Features
The American Wigeon has a combination of features that make it easy to identify. Some key physical characteristics include:
Coloration:
– Males have a white crown, green eye patch, gray flanks and black rear end. The most distinctive marking is the large white shoulder patch on the wings.
– Females are mottled brown overall with a pale blue bill and a dull green speculum on the wings.
Size and Shape:
– Medium-sized, stocky duck with a round head and short neck.
– Length ranges from 17-24 inches.
– Wingspan is 30-38 inches.
Bill:
– The bill is bluish-gray and has a black tip. It is rounded at the tip.
– Bill shape allows them to skim vegetation from the surface of water.
Legs and Feet:
– Legs and feet are grayish in color.
– They have fully webbed feet adapted for swimming and walking on muddy shorelines.
Distinguishing Markings in Flight
When in flight, the American Wigeon has some distinct markings that can aid identification:
– Bold white shoulder patch on upper wing is highly visible. This patch contrasts against the darker head and back.
– Underwings show white forewing coverts contrasting with dark primaries and secondaries.
– Male’s white belly contrasts with darker breast.
– Green speculum is usually visible on rear of wings.
– Flocks produce a rapid, whistling wingbeat and can appear fast-flying.
– Sexes often form separate flocks during flight.
Distinguishing Behaviors
American Wigeons exhibit some characteristic behaviors that aid in identification:
– Social, forming large flocks that can number in the thousands.
– Gregarious, mixing freely with other duck species while feeding and resting.
– Mostly vegetarian, grazing extensively on grasses and sedges. Will skim algae and tiny aquatic animals.
– Dabble at water surface while head down and rear end raised vertically.
– Male’s whistling “whew-whew” courtship call is distinctive.
– Highly vocal, especially during courtship and mating.
– Energetic surface feeding creates splashing that is visible from afar.
– Usually quick to flush from resting spots and fast flyers once airborne.
Range and Habitat
The American Wigeon occupies a wide range across North America:
Breeding Range:
– Breeds across Alaska and much of Canada.
– Breeds in western and northeastern U.S. states including coastal and interior wetland areas.
Wintering Range:
– Winters primarily from southern Alaska and Canada south into California, Texas, Mexico and the Gulf Coast.
– Also winters in moderate numbers along the Atlantic Coast.
Migration:
– Long distance migrant, traveling in flocks between breeding and wintering grounds.
– Spring migration goes from March to May.
– Fall migration is from September to November.
Habitat:
– Marshes, wooded swamps, ponds, rivers and lakes.
– Found both on coastal and interior wetlands.
– Winter habitat includes both freshwater and saltwater areas.
– Usually avoids mountainous areas.
Diet and Feeding Behaviors
The American Wigeon has diverse feeding behaviors and eats a mostly vegetarian diet:
Diet Consists of:
– Grasses and sedges – up to 80% of diet
– Algae, leaves, seeds, aquatic plants
– Small amounts of aquatic invertebrates
Feeding Behaviors:
– Feeds mainly by dabbling and skimming the water surface. Submerges head upside down to reach bottom vegetation.
– Feeds heavily on land, grazing in fields on grasses, clover and cereals.
– Will nip and steal aquatic plants uprooted by other ducks.
– Nocturnal feeding on rich food sources.
– Social feeding in sometimes large concentrations of birds.
– Very active and energetic feeding style, splashing water frequently.
Adaptations for Feeding:
– Serrated edges of bill help grip slippery vegetation.
– Lamellae along edges of bill filter small food items.
– Strong neck muscles allow duck to feed with head submerged.
– Wide bill allows them to take in more food with each bite.
Breeding and Nesting
The American Wigeon breeds across Alaska, Canada and the northern U.S., exhibiting these nesting characteristics and reproductive behaviors:
Nest Sites:
– Near lakes, marshes and ponds with good cover.
– Usually on dry ground in grassy areas or under shrubs.
– Will use elevated nest sites like stumps or old bird nests.
– Loosely built nest of grasses and sedges lined with down.
Eggs and Incubation:
– Peak egg laying is in May and June.
– Lays 6-15 eggs (avg. 9). Greenish-white in color.
– Only female incubates. Incubation period is 21-27 days.
Ducklings:
– Covered in down when hatched. Light brown to olive in color.
– Follow mother shortly after hatching.
– Fledge at 45-55 days.
Parental Care:
– Female provides most of the brood care.
– Ducklings feed themselves while following the female.
– Male leaves before incubation starts.
– Ducklings are independent by around 2 months old.
Population Status
The American Wigeon has an extensive range and large total population:
– Estimated breeding population is 2.5 million birds.
– Estimated total population is 3.5 million.
– Population increased in early 20th century but has declined somewhat since 1970s.
– Still common to abundant throughout most of range.
– Not globally threatened. Population Objectives set by USFWS are being met.
– Legally hunted as gamebird in U.S. and Canada with restrictions. Annual harvest is around 1 million.
Fun Facts
- Also known as “Baldpate” – referring to the male’s white crown.
- The scientific name “americana” indicates it is native to North America.
- Pairs form in winter flocks before migrating together to breeding grounds.
- Male’s “whew-whew” whistle is thought to maintain pair bonds.
- Hybridization with Eurasian Wigeon sometimes occurs where ranges overlap.
- Male initiates courtship by facing female and bobbing head up and down.
- Unmated males form “bachelor flocks” during breeding season.
Conclusion
The American Wigeon is a distinctive waterfowl species recognized by its unique appearance, behaviors, range and habitat. Identifying characteristics include the male’s white shoulder patch, green eye patch, gray flanks and whistling courtship call. American Wigeons are lively, social birds that congregate in wetlands across North America and are abundant dabbling ducks exhibiting fascinating breeding ecology and feeding behaviors. Their special traits and beauty make the American Wigeon a favorite duck among bird watchers.
