Breeding Location:
Marshes, freshwater, Swamps
Breeding Type:
Monogamous, Solitary nester
Breeding Population:
Stable
Egg Color:
Creamy white
Number of Eggs:
6 - 12
Incubation Days:
22 - 25
Egg Incubator:
Female
Nest Material:
Grasses and weeds lined with down.
Migration:
Migratory
Recommended Products:
Overview
American Wigeon: Medium dabbling duck, brown body with white crown, large green ear patch extending to back of head, buff washed breast and sides, and white belly. White shoulder patches visible in flight. Black-tipped pale blue bill. Swift direct flight, strong wing beats. Flies in tight flocks.
Range and Habitat
American Wigeon: Breeds from Alaska, northern Manitoba and southern Quebec south to Nevada, the Dakotas, and the Great Lakes region, rarely farther east. Spends winters mainly along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts. Marshes, ponds, and shallow lakes are preferred habitats.
Breeding and Nesting
American Wigeon: Six to twelve creamy white eggs are laid in a down-lined nest made of grass, often several hundred yards from water. Incubation ranges from 22 to 25 days and is carried out by the female.
Foraging and Feeding
American Wigeon: Opportunistic and aggressive feeder, often foraging in open water by stealing materials brought to the surface by diving ducks and coots. Feeds primarily on leafy aquatic plants, grass, and agricultural crops; also takes insects and other aquatic invertebrates.
Vocalization
American Wigeon: Makes distinctive whistled call "whew-whee-whew"; also quacks.
Similar Species
American Wigeon: Eurasian Wigeon has rufous head, buff forehead and crown, and grayer sides and back.
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