Eurasian Wigeon

14 hours ago

Spotted

The Eurasian Wigeon is a medium-sized dabbling duck, with the breeding male characterized by a distinctive rich chestnut head, a creamy-yellow forehead patch, and a grey body with a pinkish flush. Both sexes show a white belly and a prominent white patch on the leading edge of the wing in flight. It is a gregarious species.

Where to spot

Breeds across northern Europe and Asia. Winters south of its breeding range in Western and Southern Europe, Africa, and Southern Asia. Occasionally found as a vagrant in North America. Favors shallow wetlands, lakes, estuaries, and coastal marshes.

How to spot

Look for the male's chestnut head with a yellow forehead blaze. Both sexes have a round head and small bill, with a white belly. In flight, look for the prominent white wing patch. They are primarily grazers, often feeding on short grasses near water bodies.

When to spot

Best observed during the non-breeding season (October-March) in its wintering grounds across Europe, Africa, and Asia. They can also be seen during migration (March-April, September-October).

Where to spot

How to spot

When to spot

Best observed during the non-breeding season (October-March) in its wintering grounds across Europe, Africa, and Asia. They can also be seen during migration (March-April, September-October).

Credits: MabelAmber

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Credits: TheOtherKev

Credits: MabelAmber

Credits: TheOtherKev

Eurasian Wigeons are highly vocal, and the male's distinctive whistle, often described as 'whee-oo' or 'whiou', is a common sound in their wintering flocks.

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