Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)

OTHER NAMES: Wigeon, Widgeon, Whew-duck

Latin Etymology: Anas ("duck") penelope (the mythic Penelope)

Four adult Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) - three male, one female, with Eurasian Coot at Oare Marshes, Kent - March 2012

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 500-1000g  /  Length: 42-52cm  /  Wingspan: 71-80cm

UK AMBER LIST / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The wigeon is a common duck, primarily present in Winter in which it arrives in the UK in numbers exceeding 400,000. It can often be found in coastal marshland in large numbers during this time, although it can also be found on many decently sized bodies of water. Another slightly shy duck that tends to stay a reasonable distance from easy viewing, and thus may be slightly more difficult to photograph.

Related Species:
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Anas 
Subspecies: none - monotypic

- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - Rare breeding species (300-500 pairs), locally abundant Wintering bird (450,000 birds) 

 - Seen at sites including Rutland Water, Rainham Marshes, Elmley Marshes, Pitsford Reservoir, Ditchford Gravel Pits and Eyebrook Reservoir and Oare Marshes

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto