The Wigeon or
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) is a common and widespread
duck which breeds in the northernmost areas of Europe
and Asia. It is the Old World counterpart of the North
American American Wigeon. This dabbling duck is 42-50
cm long with a 71-80 cm wingspan. It is strongly migratory
and winters further south than its breeding range. It
highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will
form large flocks. The breeding male has grey flanks and
back, with a black rear end and a brilliant white speculum,
obvious in flight or at rest. It has a pink breast, white
belly, and a chestnut head with a yellowish crown stripe.
In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the drake looks more
like the female.
|
