The American Wigeon is part of the
Anatidae family which falls under the order Anseriformes
which includes many waterfowl including other ducks,
geese and swans.
The male American Wigeon during breeding
season is an overall pinkish-brown bird with a white
forehead, green iridescent patch behind the eye and a
gray cheek and bill. The ends of the wings and the tail
are black and their legs and feet are a dark gray color.
Females are plain compared to male because they are a
splotchy brown gray color. Males in their first year and
during the non-breeding season look much like the female
except they are usually more brightly colored.
HABITAT/DIET
The American Wigeon's breeding range stretches from
Alaska and across the western provinces of Canada into some of the
northern states of the United States. This duck can be found during
the breeding season in shallow water bodies and also in upland
habitats where they can find a variety of plants and insects to feed
off of. During the migratory season they use similar habitats
but will be found in more brackish waters occasionally, eating very
similar food items as they did during breeding season. During the
non-breeding season these ducks can be found in the southern United
States from California to the eastern seaboard and down to southern
Mexico.
BEHAVIOR
American Wigeons spend a great deal of time outside
of water foraging in open areas like agricultural fields which makes
them strong walkers. Before non-breeding season the American Wigeon
forms pair bonds, which they will keep all winter and then will
travel with their mate to their breeding grounds. Once they have
reached the breeding grounds the female will build her nest away
from the water and near an open area which will have some cover to
conceal her nest. The number of eggs laid can range from 3 to 12
where a normal American Wigeon nest will include about 8. These eggs
will hatch precocial chicks that after a day can walk and forage for
themselves. The female will accompany the chicks to protect them and
show them appropriate foraging sites.
WHERE TO FIND THEM
The American Wigeon is normally found in Western New
York during the migratory season but is sometimes seen outside of
that time because of the close proximity of a smaller breeding
population in northern Lake Ontario. If an American Wigeon is seen
one can usually find them in the Niagara River,
Iroquois NWR and also
in the
Batavia Wastewater Plant.
