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. A drake is pictured
on the right while a hen is shown on the bottom of the page.
Habitat
Could be found in a variety of shallow-water habitats, including shallow marshes and ponds, flooded fields, and coastal salt marshes and estuaries.
Diet
Primarily feeds on plant material, and only occasionally will feed on insects.
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
Song
Musical whistling by the male, a croak or a quack from the female.
Migration
Native to Europe and Asia, but strays may arrive from both west of North America and east of North America. They are generally very rare visitors to the interior of the continent.
Interactive eBird Map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Eurasian Wigeon sightings
Similar Species
American Wigeon
Status
Observations have increased in recent decades in North America, although no breeding populations have been found.
Photo Information
Photo by Nick Ford - Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial NoDerivs 2.0 Generic License
