Female © Alix d'Entremont
Adult male © Alix d'Entremont
Eclipse male © Esme Rosen
Female/immature © Paul Fenwick
+ 5
Male © Sherrie Quillen
Male © Joshua Glant
Male and female © Becky Matsubara
Flock © Diane Drobka

American Wigeon Mareca americana

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Breeding males have obvious white blaze on forehead and broad green slash behind eye. Females are plainer brown with rusty sides. Females are very difficult to distinguish from female Eurasian Wigeon; note colder grayish-brown head on American that contrasts with warmer orangey sides. Also look for brighter white, not gray, underwings in flight, but this can be difficult to judge, especially at a distance. Widespread and common in North America, occasionally wintering as far south as northern South America. Typically in flocks on lakes and wetlands, often grazing in nearby fields. Regular vagrant to Europe.

POWERED BY MERLIN