Eurasian Wigeon Bird Details
Mareca penelope
Eurasian Wigeon,Wigeon, Penny Wigeon;
Batak
Mareca penelope Linnaeus, 1758
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Mareca
Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Japan, India.
Appearance :
Chestnut head and breast, with a creamy forecrown, gray back and flanks, and a black rear end. More similar to females, male with a brown head and body. Female is Brown to gray-brown with a white belly.
Behaviour :
Often found in flocks, especially during migration and wintering periods. They are relatively gregarious and can be seen in mixed flocks with other waterfowl.
Habitat :
Primarily found in freshwater habitats, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes. They prefer areas with shallow water and abundant vegetation.
Diet :
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. They often dabbling for food, using their bills to sift through mud and vegetation.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Breeds in northern Europe and Asia, from Iceland and Norway to eastern Russia. Winters in southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Population Size :
Global populations are estimated to be in the millions.
Life Span :
In the wild, Eurasian Wigeons typically live for 5-10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Small to medium-sized duck with a compact body, short legs, and a relatively long neck.
- Tarsus: Grayish-brown or olive-green.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 4-5 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Small, rounded, and often appears slightly cocked to one side.
- Bill: Short, broad, and slightly upturned at the tip.
- Bill Length: Approximately 4-5 cm.
Length :
Approximately 45-50 cm.
Neck :
Relatively long and slender.
Size :
Medium-sized duck.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and rounded.
- Tail Length: Approximately 10-12 cm.
- Feathers: Males have a distinctive chestnut head and breast, with a white belly and a gray back. Females are more mottled brown overall.
Weight :
Males weigh approximately 700-1000 grams, while females weigh slightly less.
Wing :
Pointed and relatively long.
Wing Span :
Approximately 80-90 cm.
Facial Feature :
Males have a distinctive chestnut head and breast.
Nest Details :
- Nest Location: Nests are often concealed in vegetation.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are constructed of grasses, leaves, and down feathers.
Breeding Season :
Typically from April to June.
Nesting Season :
Nests are usually built on the ground, often near water.
Egg Color :
Eggs are pale green or olive-green.
Egg Length :
Approximately 5-6 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 3-4 cm.
- Egg Weight: Approximately 40-50 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically 6-10 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Usually one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
Approximately 23-26 days.
Nestling Period :
Nestlings leave the nest within a few days of hatching and are able to swim and feed themselves.
Vocalization :
Eurasian Wigeons are relatively quiet birds, with a low, whistling call.
Sex Demorphism :
Males and females have distinct plumage.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Eurasian Wigeons are migratory birds, migrating south for the winter.
- Migration Period: Typically migrate south in autumn and return north in spring.
- Migration Route: Migration routes vary depending on the individual bird, but many Eurasian Wigeons migrate along the coastlines of Europe and Asia.