Wildlifeof China
American Wigeon
Ducks, Geese & Grebes
Photo: (c) Charles Van Arsdall, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0
Mareca americana
Basic stats
Habitat
Ground nests near water and under cover
Range
Breeds across North America; the New World counterpart of the Eurasian wigeon
Clutch size
6–12 creamy-white eggs
Incubation period
23–25 days (female only)
Size
42–59cm
Wingspan
76–91cm
Weight
512–1,330g
The American wigeon, also known as the baldpate, is a dabbling duck found in North America and the New World counterpart of the Eurasian wigeon. It is 42–59cm long with a 76–91cm wingspan and weighs 512–1,330g. In silhouette it can be told from other dabblers by its round head, short neck and small bill. The breeding male has a mask of green feathers around the eyes, a cream-coloured cap from crown to bill and a white belly (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is noisy and often identified by its distinctive calls. It breeds in all but the extreme north of Canada and Alaska and in the interior West of the United States, from about April to May. The female nests on the ground near water under cover, laying 6–12 creamy-white eggs that she incubates alone for 23–25 days, and the young fly at around 47 days. The source does not describe its status in China (Wikipedia, general species account).
Quick answers
- What habitat does the American Wigeon live in?
- Ground nests near water and under cover
- Where is the American Wigeon found?
- Breeds across North America; the New World counterpart of the Eurasian wigeon
- How many eggs does the American Wigeon lay?
- 6–12 creamy-white eggs
- How long are the eggs of the American Wigeon incubated?
- 23–25 days (female only)
- How big is the American Wigeon?
- 42–59cm
- What is the wingspan of the American Wigeon?
- 76–91cm
- How much does the American Wigeon weigh?
- 512–1,330g