American Wigeon
American wigeon (Anas Americana)
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The American wigeon was formerly known as "Baldpate" because the white stripe on the head resembled a bald man's head.
Appearance:
The American wigeon is a medium-sized dabbling duck. Breeding male has white crown and green band stretching from its eye to the back of the head; white and green wing patches. Female is brown and grey with a white wing patch that is more dull and reduced than the male's.
Breeding:
Pair formation begins during migration to wintering grounds and continues during winter. Often nest a considerable distance from water. The hen lays one egg a day for an average clutch of 8-9 eggs. Hen alone incubates eggs for about 25 days and young leave the nest with the hen within 24 hours of hatching.
Habitat:
Shallow freshwater wetlands, including ponds and rivers.
Range:
Breeds in north-western North America. Winters in southern Alaska and B.C. and throughout much of the United States and Mexico; also found in the Caribbean and along the Pacific coast of central America.
Diet:
The American wigeon is the most vegetarian of the dabbling ducks. The specialized structure of its bill enables it to exert great force at the tip of the bill, enhancing the bird's ability to pluck vegetation.
During non-breeding period, as much as 97-100 per cent of diet consists of plant material; opportunistic feeder during migration and wintering; animal matter comprises 18-41 per cent of diet during breeding season.
Status and conservation issues:
In 2005, the American wigeon population was estimated to be 15 per cent below the long-term population average.
Interesting facts:
The American wigeon's diet has a higher proportion of plant matter than the diet of any other dabbling duck.
Breed further north than any other dabbl er w ith the exception of the northern pintail.
