ExploreBirds

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

The American Wigeon is a beautiful duck known for its colorful feathers. They love to swim in lakes and ponds, making them fun to watch as they dive for food.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The American Wigeon is a medium-sized dabbling duck recognized by the male's striking white crown and iridescent green patch behind its eye. Both sexes have a bluish-grey bill with a black tip and a white belly.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusMareca
American Wigeon
feathered trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgesocial trait badgecolorful trait badge
American Wigeon

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Males have a bright white "cap" on their head, making them look super unique!

Their "whee-WOO-whew" whistle call is so unique, you'll know it immediately!

They often hang out with other duck species, sometimes even sharing food spots!

Wigeon ducklings can swim and find their own food just hours after hatching!

Special abilities

Ability

Grass Grazer

American Wigeon can graze on land like a goose, using its strong bill to clip vegetation and find food.

Ability

Food Snatcher

American Wigeon can "steal" plants from diving ducks, saving energy by not having to dive for their own food.

Ability

Surface Skimmer

American Wigeon has a specialized bill to efficiently skim aquatic plants and tiny insects from the water's surface.

Measurements & details

Length
42-59 cm
Wingspan
76-91 cm
Weight
0.7-1.3 kg
Lifespan
5-18 years
Top Speed
80 km/h
Clutch Size
6-12
Incubation
23-26 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

This duck mostly enjoys eating plants, but will occasionally snack on small insects.

Primary Foods

  • aquatic plants
  • grasses
  • seeds
  • clover
  • small insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is American Wigeon?

42-59 cm

What is American Wigeon's wingspan?

76-91 cm

How much does American Wigeon weigh?

0.7-1.3 kg

How long does American Wigeon live?

5-18 years

How fast can American Wigeon move?

80 km/h

What does American Wigeon eat?

This duck mostly enjoys eating plants, but will occasionally snack on small insects.

Where is American Wigeon usually found?

Wetlands

How does American Wigeon hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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