wigeon
Anas penelope

Key facts

Attractive dabbling duck that winters in large numbers in UK

Habitat: estuaries, marshes, grassland and shores

Uncommon breeder, widespread and numerous winter visitor

Recognition

Male: pale grey with black and white rear and chestnut head with gold crown; female cinnamon with delicate head

Grazes or dabbles to feed; forms large flocks during the winter

Eats grass, eelgrass, aquatic vegetation; flight strong and quick

Lifecycle

Nest is a lined hollow near water

1 Brood March – June; 7-8 eggs creamy

wigeon
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