Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelope
Also known as: Wigeon, European Wigeon, Widgeon
About This Species
Look for these dabbling ducks on estuaries, lakes and flooded grassland in winter, often grazing on short turf near water rather than upending like other ducks. Males have a distinctive high, wheezy whistle that carries well across open water and is often the first clue to their presence. Large flocks build through autumn and peak in mid-winter, so cold months at coastal wetlands and reservoirs offer the best chance of a sighting.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Stay on paths and hides at wetland reserves and view from at least 20 to 30 metres with binoculars or a scope rather than walking out onto mudflats or into roosting areas.
- Wintering waterfowl are protected from deliberate disturbance under wild bird protection laws in the UK and much of Europe, and similar protections exist in many other countries, though the exact rules vary by location, so check local reserve guidance.
- Approaching slowly, keeping dogs leashed and avoiding flushing resting flocks reduces the energy cost these birds pay during a season when they most need to conserve it.
LCAvesAnseriformesAnatidae
Seasonal Activity
2,643,378 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Anseriformes
- Family
- Anatidae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.