Eurasian Wigeon - Mareca penelope

Habitat

The Eurasian wigeon is found on marshes, ponds, lakes, bays, and fields.

 Diet

The Eurasian wigeon skims seeds and other plant matter like stems, roots, and leaves from the water's surface. It also grazes for food on land. It sometimes waits for diving ducks to bring plants up to the surface of the water and then snatches away their food!

Life Cycle

The female lays 7 or 8 eggs in a down and grass filled shallow depression in the ground. The nest is usually well-hidden by grass and is near the water. The female incubates the eggs for 24-25 days. The ducklings leave the nest and head to the water shortly after they hatch. They can feed themselves immediately, but the female stays with them until they fledge at 44-45 days old.

Behavior

The Eurasian Wigeon does not breed in North America, but it is found here in the winter. It is usually found with flocks of American wigeons.