Psilos Wildfowl Photography

Wigeon

(Anas penelope)

This is my favourite native UK duck seen regularly here in the winter months in large numbers. Very few birds breed here though there are small populations in the north. The male has a very striking yellow crown and the female is a drab brown. It is a very vocal duck. It is a surface feeding duck. Size 43-48cm (16-19in) The photo below shows wigeon flying over Martinmere, October 05
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grass forms a large part of the wigeons diet and during the winter months they speed large amounts of time grazing out in fields.
 
male grazing
 
 
Before the birds return to their breeding grounds they pair up. So during the winter months we can sit and watch their courtship displays. An intimate little display that involves plenty of head bobbing. Here is a male bird (left) caught mid bob trying to attract a female. Taken at Marshside, Southport, January 2nd 2006.
 
 
 
This is a male bird in eclipse plumage (moulting)