American Wigeon

One of only three wigeon species in the world, the American Wigeon (Mareca americana, formerly Anas americana) is a medium sized dabbler is one-of-a-kind with the drake’s distinctly adorned “bald-pate” white forehead extending to the crown. Another distinctive feature in drakes is the broad green brushstroke from the eyes to the back of the neck, light brown breast, and white coverts. Both sexes have a stubby, goose-like blue-gray bill with black tips. Grey legs, white underbelly, green speculum. In flight, large white upper wing patches seen while banking are a tell-tale sign. Hen’s plumage on the head is gray speckled.  Juveniles and molted drakes resemble hens with similar plumage.