Wigeons are a genus of dabbling ducks belonging to the genus Mareca. There are three extant species of wigeon: the Eurasian Wigeon, the American Wigeon, and the Chiloé Wigeon.
Wigeons are medium-sized dabbling ducks that frequent shallow lakes, marshes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands. They are found across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. Wigeons have a distinctive appearance, with a blue-grey bill and a bold white stripe between the forehead and top of the head. Males have colourful plumage patterns during the breeding season while females have mottled brown plumage year-round.
Wigeons are omnivorous and feed mainly by dabbling in shallow water to reach submerged vegetation and small aquatic invertebrates. They will also graze on grasses and herbs on land. Wigeons migrate long distances and their wintering grounds are typically more southerly and coastal compared to their breeding grounds.
The three extant species of wigeon are very similar in appearance, but can be distinguished from each other by range, detailed plumage characteristics, and minor differences in size and structure. The three species are:
Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope) is the most widespread and abundant species of wigeon. Other common names include European Wigeon and Common Wigeon. They breed across northern Eurasia and migrate south and west in winter, travelling as far as north Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Eurasian Wigeons average 51–59 cm in length and 800–1400 g in weight.
The Eurasian Wigeon male has grey flanks and back, with a pink-brown breast, buff belly, black tail, and a prominent white shoulder stripe. In flight, grey inner wing feathers contrast with black outer wing feathers and white secondary feathers. Females are mottled brown overall with a paler head and neck. Eurasian wigeons feed mainly on vegetation by dabbling in shallow water but will also graze on land. They nest on the ground near water.
Range and Habitat
Eurasian Wigeons have an extremely large range across northern Eurasia. They breed from Iceland and the UK eastwards across Europe and Asia to northeast China and Kamchatka. Their breeding range centers on boreal and taiga forest zones with extensive wetlands. Eurasian Wigeons undergo migrations of up to 4000 km to reach wintering grounds in temperate regions of Europe and Asia, as far south as north Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
Identification
Male Eurasian Wigeons in breeding plumage have a pinkish-brown breast, light grey flanks and mantle, black tail, and a prominent white shoulder patch. The head is chestnut with a creamy crown and forehead. Females are mottled brown overall with a slightly paler head. Eurasian Wigeon can be distinguished from American Wigeon by the head pattern of males, lack of extensive green on the head of females, and smaller size. Eurasian Wigeon are 45–59 cm long with a 78–90 cm wingspan.
American Wigeon
The American Wigeon (Mareca americana) breeds across northwestern and central North America and migrates south and east to winter from the southern USA through Central America to South America. American Wigeons average 48–58 cm long and weigh 650–1400 g.
American Wigeon males have a white crown contrasting with a dark green eye patch, grey flanks, black undertail coverts, and a white shoulder patch. Females are mottled brown with a more distinct facial pattern than female Eurasian Wigeons. American Wigeons forage by dabbling for aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates.
Range and Habitat
American Wigeons breed from Alaska across central and western Canada to Quebec, and south to California, Colorado, and Minnesota. They inhabit wooded lakes, ponds, and marshes, especially with abundant aquatic vegetation. American Wigeons migrate south in winter, with the entire continental population concentrating along the Louisiana Gulf Coast. They winter south to Mexico and down the Atlantic coast to South America.
Identification
Breeding male American Wigeons have a bold white crown that contrasts with a dark green eye patch, grey flanks, black undertail coverts, and prominent white shoulder patch. The sides and belly are pinkish-tan. Females have a more defined facial pattern than female Eurasian Wigeons, with a well-delineated dark eye patch and crown. American Wigeons measure 48–58 cm long with a 79–89 cm wingspan.
Chiloé Wigeon
The Chiloé Wigeon (Mareca sibilatrix) is the rarest of the three wigeon species, inhabiting a restricted range in southern South America. They breed only on islands off the coast of southern Chile and nearby areas of Patagonia. Chiloé Wigeons undergo limited migrations northwards in winter. They average 51–56 cm long and weigh 700–1350 g.
Male Chiloé Wigeons resemble female Eurasian Wigeons but have browner underparts. Females are similar to female Eurasian and American Wigeons but have yellowish bills and less crisp facial markings. Chiloé Wigeons feed mainly by grazing on land and dabbling less than the other wigeon species.
Range and Habitat
The breeding range of the Chiloé Wigeon is restricted to islands in Chiloé and Guaitecas Archipelagos off the Pacific coast of southern Chile. They also breed along nearby areas of coastal Patagonia. In winter, they migrate north along the coast to central Chile. Their total population likely numbers less than 10,000 birds.
Identification
Male Chiloé Wigeons resemble female Eurasian Wigeons but have darker crowns and hindnecks. The underparts are dark brown rather than buff. Females are similar to other female wigeons but have yellowish bills and ill-defined facial markings. Chiloé Wigeons measure 51–56 cm long with a 76–83 cm wingspan. Their dark brown underparts help distinguish them from other wigeon species.
Comparison of Wigeon Species
Species | Length (cm) | Wingspan (cm) | Weight (g) | Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
Eurasian Wigeon | 48-59 | 78-90 | 800-1400 | Northern Eurasia |
American Wigeon | 48-58 | 79-89 | 650-1400 | North America |
Chiloé Wigeon | 51-56 | 76-83 | 700-1350 | Southern South America |
This table compares some key traits between the three extant species of wigeon. Eurasian Wigeon is the largest species, followed by the Chiloé Wigeon, while the American Wigeon is the smallest species. Eurasian Wigeon has by far the largest global range across northern Eurasia. American Wigeon inhabits North America and Chiloé Wigeon has a highly restricted range in southern South America.
Behaviour and ecology
Wigeons exhibit similar behavioural and ecological traits across the three species. They are highly gregarious outside of breeding season and form large flocks, sometimes mixed with other duck species. Wigeons migrate long distances between breeding and wintering grounds. Their flights are rapid and direct.
Wigeons frequent shallow wetlands with abundant aquatic vegetation. They feed mainly by dabbling and grazing. Their diet consists of leaves, stems, and rhizomes of aquatic plants as well as some small invertebrates. Nesting occurs near water on the ground in dense vegetation. Females lay a clutch of 7-10 eggs.
Male wigeons produce a characteristic wheezy whistling call, while females have a growling quack. Wigeons undergo a complete annual moult after breeding. Their lifespan in the wild is typically 5 to 10 years.
Status and conservation
Wigeon populations are relatively stable currently and they are listed as species of Least Concern by the IUCN. Eurasian Wigeon has an extremely large population estimated at 2.8-3.3 million individuals. American Wigeon has a population of about 3 million. Chiloé Wigeon has a tiny population of only 5,000-10,000 and is listed as Near Threatened.
Habitat loss on breeding and wintering grounds poses the major threat to wigeons. Oil spills also affect wintering birds on coastal areas. Hunting pressures are generally sustainable under current regulations. Climate change may threaten breeding habitat in the Arctic and subarctic regions. Conservation priorities include preserving wetland ecosystems across international flyways.
Conclusion
In summary, there are three extant species of wigeons in the genus Mareca. Eurasian Wigeon is the most widespread in northern Eurasia. American Wigeon inhabits North America. The rare Chiloé Wigeon is found only in southern South America. Wigeons are migratory ducks that inhabit shallow wetlands and feed by dabbling and grazing. Maintaining the integrity of breeding habitat and key wintering sites will be important for the long-term conservation of wigeon populations.