ID Keys: Rusty head with buffy crown stripe and gray body (male)
The Eurasian Wigeon is, not surprisingly,
normally found in Europe and Asia, although strays regularly reach both U.S.
coasts in winter. They are only very rare visitors to the interior of
North America, with The Birds of South Dakota (SDOU, 2001) only showing three
observations within South Dakota. Observations have been increasing
elsewhere in North America in recent decades, however.
Habitat
The Eurasian Wigeon breeds in northern wetlands, including shallow lakes, marshes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers surrounded by grasslands or shrub cover. During migration and winter, it frequents coastal estuaries, bays, flooded fields, lagoons, and freshwater wetlands. The species often feeds in open water areas as well as nearby grassy habitats where it grazes on vegetation.
Diet
The Eurasian Wigeon feeds primarily on aquatic plants, grasses, sedges, and other vegetation. Unlike many dabbling ducks, it often grazes on land in fields and meadows, feeding much like a goose. It also consumes small amounts of aquatic invertebrates, especially during the breeding season when additional protein is beneficial.
Behavior
Feeds by dabbling or submerging its head in shallow water, or by walking on land. Will harass certain species of diving waterfowl, stealing food from diving ducks as they return to the water's surface.
Breeding
Non-breeder in South Dakota. The Eurasian Wigeon nests on the ground, usually in well-concealed vegetation near lakes, ponds, marshes, or other wetlands. The female builds a shallow depression lined with grasses, leaves, and down feathers plucked from her breast. A typical clutch contains 7–11 eggs, and the female alone incubates them while the male departs to molt after breeding.
Song
The Eurasian Wigeon is known for the male's distinctive clear, whistled call, often described as a ringing whee-yoo. Females produce a harsher series of growls, grunts, and quacking notes, especially when disturbed or tending young. The male's whistling call is frequently heard during migration and on wintering grounds, making the species easy to identify by sound.
Migration
The Eurasian Wigeon is a highly migratory species that breeds across northern Europe and Asia and winters farther south in Europe, Africa, southern Asia, and parts of the Middle East. Large numbers migrate along coastal and inland flyways, often gathering in sizable flocks at important stopover wetlands. In North America, it is considered an uncommon but regular migrant and winter visitor, especially along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
American Wigeon: The Eurasian Wigeon can be distinguished from the American Wigeon by the male's rich chestnut head and creamy buff forehead. Male American Wigeons have a grayish head with a bright white crown and a noticeable green patch extending behind the eye. Females of the two species are more similar, but Eurasian Wigeons generally have a warmer brown head and a plainer facial pattern than female American Wigeons.
