Wigeons, also known as Eurasian Wigeons, are dabbling ducks that breed across northern Europe and Asia. They are migratory birds that spend the winter farther south, including in the UK. So do wigeons actually breed while they are in the UK?
Quick Answer
Yes, wigeons do breed in the UK during the spring and summer months before migrating south for the winter. The UK provides ideal breeding habitat for wigeons with its many lakes, rivers, marshes, and estuaries across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Overview of Wigeon Breeding
The Eurasian Wigeon is a common breeding duck species throughout its range. Here are some key facts about wigeon breeding:
- Nesting Period: Wigeons nest from late March through June in the UK.
- Nest Location: They nest on the ground concealed in vegetation near water.
- Clutch Size: Typical clutches contain 7-11 eggs.
- Incubation: Only the female incubates the eggs for 22-24 days.
- Brood Size: Broods usually consist of around 5-6 ducklings.
- Fledging: Ducklings fledge at around 40-45 days old.
Wigeons prefer to breed near shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, and wetlands that provide plentiful food. The male wigeons are highly territorial during breeding and compete intensely for suitable nesting sites.
Evidence of Wigeon Breeding in the UK
There are several lines of evidence confirming that wigeons regularly and successfully breed in various parts of the UK during spring and summer:
- Bird surveys show substantial populations present during breeding months.
- Nesting activity has been observed in breeding habitats.
- Broods of ducklings are frequently seen on lakes and rivers.
- Juvenile birds are present in autumn migration flocks.
- Game bird hunting bag records include young wigeons.
Some key locations in the UK where ornithologists have documented wigeon breeding activity include:
- Martin Mere Wetland in Lancashire
- Rutland Water Nature Reserve in the Midlands
- Loch Leven National Nature Reserve in Scotland
- Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland
- Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve in Somerset
Ideal Breeding Habitat
Wigeons seek out certain habitats during the breeding season that provide ideal conditions for nesting, feeding, and raising ducklings:
Freshwater Lakes
Shallow lakes with abundant aquatic vegetation like pondweed, hornwort, and stonewort that provide food and cover.
Lowland Rivers
Slow flowing rivers lined with sedges and wet meadows that supply insects and plants.
Marshes
Marshes have shallow water, mudflats, and emergent vegetation where wigeons can construct concealed nests.
Estuaries
Estuaries where rivers meet the sea provide a mix of fresh and saltwater habitats rich in invertebrates and plants.
Population and Conservation
Wigeons have an extensive breeding range across northern Eurasia and a large global population estimated at over 4 million birds. They are classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. However, there are some potential threats to wigeon populations:
- Habitat loss from wetland drainage and development
- Disturbance from human recreation activities
- Environmental pollution from runoff and spills
- Climate change affecting breeding habitats
Wigeon breeding success can fluctuate significantly between years depending on habitat conditions like water levels, food availability, and predation risk. Conservation measures are aimed at preserving key breeding sites and wetland habitats across their range.
Interesting Facts about Wigeon Breeding
- Male wigeons use a cat-like “meow” call to attract females to their territory.
- The downy wigeon ducklings feed mostly on insects for their first few weeks.
- Wigeon pairs reform each year rather than mate permanently.
- The males depart the breeding grounds before the female and ducklings.
- Wigeon ducklings often aggregate into large creches of over 100 birds.
Conclusion
In summary, substantial evidence confirms that the Eurasian Wigeon is a regular and successful breeder across many parts of the UK during spring and summer. The lakes, rivers, marshes, and estuaries of the UK provide ideal habitat conditions for nesting, feeding, and raising wigeon ducklings before they migrate south again for the winter. Careful conservation management of key breeding sites will help ensure wigeons continue thrive as a breeding species in the UK.
Location | Evidence of Breeding |
---|---|
Martin Mere Wetland | Observed nests and broods |
Rutland Water | Many summer sightings |
Loch Leven | Duckling creches seen |
Strangford Lough | High count in breeding season |
Bridgwater Bay | Reported nesting activity |
Habitat | Breeding Conditions |
---|---|
Lakes | Shallow water & aquatic vegetation |
Rivers | Slow currents & wet meadows |
Marshes | Concealed nest sites |
Estuaries | Mixed fresh & saltwater |