American Wigeon
American Wigeon
Anas americana
Anas americana
Embedded Files
Population, Conservation Status, Threats:
American wigeons are considered least concern by the IUCN. They are threatened by loss and degradation of wetland habitat due to agricultural conversion and drought.
Physical Description:
Males are light brown, with black tail and wingtips and a white belly. Their head is cream-colored, with black speckles, and a green stripe runs from their eye to the back of their head. Females are brown with black mottling. Both sexes have a light gray beak with a black tip.
Overall American wigeon range from audobon.org. American wigeons are uncommonly seen in Colorado during the breeding season, but are much more likely to winter there.
Habitat:
American wigeons graze on land more frequently than other dabbling duck species. In the summer, they frequent inland freshwater marshes and ponds. During the winter, they may make use of coastal marsh habitat in addition to inland freshwater lakes and ponds.
Behavior:
Migratory, spending the summers in the northern part of their range, and the winters in the southern part. They are ac
Diet:
American wigeons are versatile foragers, grazing on grassland as well as feeding in shallow water - they will even steal food from other diving duck species. They feed at night as well as in the day. Their diet is primarily made up of plants, but will eat aquatic invertebrates on occasion, particularly in the breeding season when females need the increased protein to produce eggs.
Reproduction:
Males compete aggressively for female attention during the breeding season, and will perform courtship displays involving whistling and "dancing". Females lay eight to twelve eggs each season, which take three weeks to hatch. The young fledge 45-63 days after they have hatched.
Associated Species:
American wigeon share a range with the similar-looking green winged teal, and are often mistaken for them. Their diet includes some animal life, primarily invertebrates like crustaceans and water snails. Northern Harris hawks will predate upon waterfowl such as American wigeons.
Illustration by Willow Sedam
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse