American Wigeon

Overview

American Wigeon: Medium dabbling duck, brown body with white crown, large green ear patch extending to back of head, buff washed breast and sides, and white belly. White shoulder patches visible in flight. Black-tipped pale blue bill. Swift direct flight, strong wing beats. Flies in tight flocks.

Range and Habitat

American Wigeon: Breeds from Alaska, northern Manitoba and southern Quebec south to Nevada, the Dakotas, and the Great Lakes region, rarely farther east. Spends winters mainly along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts. Marshes, ponds, and shallow lakes are preferred habitats.

INTERESTING FACTS

The American Wigeon was formerly known as "Baldpate" because the white stripe on their crown resembles a bald man's head. Their diet has a higher proportion of plant matter than the diet of any other dabbling duck. Their short bill enables them to exert more force at the bill tip than other dabbling ducks, thus permitting efficient dislodging and plucking of vegetation. A group of ducks has many collective nouns, including a "brace", "flush", "paddling", "raft", and "team" of ducks.