The Eurasian wigeon, Mareca penelope, is a medium-sized dabbling duck with a distinctive appearance. Males in breeding plumage exhibit a chestnut head with a creamy crown, pink breast, white belly, grey flanks and back, and a black rear end. A notable feature is the brilliant white patch on the upper wings, visible in flight or at rest. Females are generally light brown, resembling the female American wigeon but can be identified by their shape and unique color morphs.
The male Eurasian wigeon, during the breeding season, can be identified by its pink breast and chestnut head with a creamy stripe. In contrast, the female is light brown with a less conspicuous plumage. Look for the white wing patch on males and the species' characteristic shape to distinguish it from similar ducks. In non-breeding plumage, males resemble females more closely.
This species favors open wetlands, such as wet grasslands or marshes with some taller vegetation. It is adapted to both dabbling for plant food and grazing on land.
The Eurasian wigeon breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe and the Palearctic and is a common and widespread species within this range. It is a migratory bird, wintering in southern Asia and Africa. In Great Britain and Ireland, it is a common winter visitor but a scarce breeder.
Outside the breeding season, the Eurasian wigeon is highly gregarious, forming large flocks. It is known to join flocks of American wigeon in the United States, where it is an uncommon winter visitor. The species is also known to hybridize with the American wigeon.
The male Eurasian wigeon emits a clear whistle, "pjiew pjiew," while the female produces a low growl, "rawr," contributing to the species' reputation as a noisy duck.
Eurasian wigeons nest on the ground, near water, and under cover. Their breeding habitat is closely associated with open wetlands.
The American wigeon is similar in appearance but can be differentiated by its paler head and white axillaries on the underwing. The female Eurasian wigeon can also appear in rufous and gray morphs, which may aid in distinguishing it from other species.
The Eurasian wigeon primarily feeds by dabbling for plant food or grazing on wet grasslands.
The Eurasian wigeon is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
