DSC5319 Wigeon..
Wigeon - Anas Penelope
Length: 43-48cm
Wingspan: 80cm
Weight: 650-800g
Average lifespan: 3 years
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.
When to see
January to December
A common dabbling duck, the wigeon is a winter visitor that gathers in large numbers, particularly on wet grasslands, floodplain meadows, flooded gravel pits and reservoirs with gently sloping edges where they can easily get out onto the grassy banks. Wigeon can be spotted dabbling in close-knit groups or flying in tight formations over wetlands.
The wigeon is a medium-sized duck with a round head and short bill. Males are grey with a pink breast, orange head, yellow forehead and obvious white wing patches that can be seen when they fly. Females are similar to Mallard females, but with rusty brown plumage and a pointed tail.
Found throughout the country in winter, with large numbers congregating in coastal areas. It breeds in Scotland and Northern England in very small numbers.
Habitats
FreshwaterFarmlandCoastalWetlands
Did you know?
The large numbers of wigeon that visit our wetlands in winter help to place this bird on the Amber list of the UK's Red List for Birds - a national measure of the state of, and threats to, our bird populations.
DSC5319 Wigeon..
Wigeon - Anas Penelope
Length: 43-48cm
Wingspan: 80cm
Weight: 650-800g
Average lifespan: 3 years
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.
When to see
January to December
A common dabbling duck, the wigeon is a winter visitor that gathers in large numbers, particularly on wet grasslands, floodplain meadows, flooded gravel pits and reservoirs with gently sloping edges where they can easily get out onto the grassy banks. Wigeon can be spotted dabbling in close-knit groups or flying in tight formations over wetlands.
The wigeon is a medium-sized duck with a round head and short bill. Males are grey with a pink breast, orange head, yellow forehead and obvious white wing patches that can be seen when they fly. Females are similar to Mallard females, but with rusty brown plumage and a pointed tail.
Found throughout the country in winter, with large numbers congregating in coastal areas. It breeds in Scotland and Northern England in very small numbers.
Habitats
FreshwaterFarmlandCoastalWetlands
Did you know?
The large numbers of wigeon that visit our wetlands in winter help to place this bird on the Amber list of the UK's Red List for Birds - a national measure of the state of, and threats to, our bird populations.