The wigeons, or widgeons, are a group of dabbling ducks classified in the genus Mareca. This group includes three extant species and one recently extinct species.
Among these, the American Wigeon stands out as a medium-sized, compact duck with a short bill and a round head. When resting on the water, it often pulls its head down, giving it a distinctive no-necked appearance.
Breeding males are striking with a brownish-gray head adorned by a wide green stripe behind the eye and a gleaming white cap. Their bodies are pale cinnamon, with white patches on the sides of the rump contrasting against black undertail feathers. In flight, observe the white patch on the upper wing and a green patch on the secondaries. Females and nonbreeding males have warm brown plumage, with a brownish-gray head and a dark smudge around the eye. Both sexes feature a pale gray bill with a black tip.
Overall, wigeons are characterized by their round heads and short bills. Males exhibit a gray body with a pink breast, orange head, yellow forehead, and prominent white wing patches visible in flight. Females resemble mallard females but have rusty brown plumage and a pointed tail.
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