Species BirdsAmerican Wigeon

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

CommonBird
Illustration of American Wigeon (Mareca americana)

The American Wigeon is a compact dabbling duck; the male has a gleaming white forehead and crown — earning the nickname 'baldpate' — and a shimmering green eye stripe. It is often seen grazing on grass like a goose, and sometimes steals aquatic plants from diving ducks. Males produce a distinctive three-note whistle.

Habitat
Grasslands and ponds in summer; bays, estuaries, and parks in winter
Diet
Aquatic plants, grasses, and algae
How common
Common

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