Psilos Wildfowl Photography |
American wigeon (Anas americana) |
As with all wigeon this is a very vocal
duck and rarely can you approach them without them making their presence
known. During the breeding season in the wild, it can be found on freshwater
marshes, lakes and slow-moving streams in north western North America.
During the winter it can be found in more southernly states on more
coastal habitats. |
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A dabbling duck the wigeon feeds on a wide range
of aquatic vegetation. During breeding the female (photo above) makes
a nest of grass and will lay 9-11 eggs. Incubation is 23-25 days and
the young ducklings are able to leave the nest less than 24 hours after
hatching. Rearing the young is the sole responsibility of the female.
After breeding the male losses his breeding plumage. The photo below
shows the male in his non breeding (eclipse plumage) |
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