The American wigeon, aka baldpate, is a species of dabbling duck (ducks that feed at the surface, rather than diving) that can be found throughout Canada, United States, Mexico, Central America, South America, and even northeastern Russia. Sans the potential for habitat loss and destruction, these ducks don’t face many threats. They also have an abundant population. Thus the IUCN lists these birds as Least Concern.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Mareca americana
Weight: Up to 2.9+ lbs.
Length: Up to 23 inches
Wingspan: Up to 33.1 inches
Lifespan: Up to 3 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These birds number an estimated 2,700,000 wild breeding pairs.
2.) Their counterpart is the Eurasian wigeon.
3.) American wigeons were originally described in 1789 by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin.
4.) Later, in 1824, English naturalist James Francis Stephens placed these birds into the genus Mareca.
5.) The common name of baldpate hails from the whitish crown and forehead of the male.
But wait, there’s more on the American wigeon!
6.) Drakes, aka males, produce a 3-note whistle and a wheezy whoee-whoe-whoe call, while hens produce hoarse grunts and a low growl qua-ack.
7.) These ducks are migratory, summering in the north and wintering in the south.
Did you know…?
The name of their genus comes from the Portuguese word Marréco meaning small duck.
8.) American wigeons are typically the 5th-most harvested duck in the United States, after the gadwall, green-winged teal, mallard, and the wood duck.
9.) They prefer open wetlands, like wet grasslands or marshes with a fair amount of taller vegetation.
10.) These critters feed on various aquatic vegetation, clover, waste grain found in harvested fields, pasture grasses, winter wheat, and lettuce.
But wait, there’s still more on the American wigeon!
11.) American wigeons will also capitalize on the vegetation brought to the surface by diving birds, like coots. This has earned them the common names of robber or poacher ducks.
12.) Being very gregarious, sans during the breeding season, they gather into large flocks.
Did you know…?
Chicks are hatched precocial (self sufficient) and leave the nest in up to 24 hours.
13.) Breeding takes place between April – May, and their nest is nothing more than a depression dug into the ground.
14.) Females lay up to 9 eggs that hatch in up to 25 days.
15.) Foxes, raccoons, skunks, badgers, ground squirrels, hawks, crows, California gulls, and northern harriers all prey on wigeons.
Now a Short American Wigeon Video!
Be sure to share & comment below! Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel. Videos added regularly!
Want to suggest a critter for me to write about? Let me know here.
Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Photo credit: Nevada Department of Wildlife
