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American Wigeon

Mareca americana

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
American Wigeon, photographed by Frank Cone

Photo: Frank Cone · Pexels · Pexels License (licence)

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About the American Wigeon

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.

Species account: eBird.org, fetched 2025-12-26 · How these pages are made

Where it has been recorded

Recorded in 76 of the 253 countries we have eBird lists for. Each opens that country's checklist.

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