Eurasian Wigeon

The Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) is migratory duck that flies in from northern Asia including Siberia and Europe to south Asia. They are widespread across the northern and western parts of India, though they can be sighted in other locations too. It is a dabbling duck, in the sense that it submerges in water to feed on vegetation and other plant matter. It weights between 500 gm and 1 kg, and the breeding males are easily identified with their chestnut colored heads and cream stripe on their crown, with a brilliant white patch on upper wings as seen in the picture here. The female is light brown, as are non-breeding males.

Eurasian Wigeon flies above a Northern Shoveller in Bharatpur

The Eurasian Wigeon is usually found in open wetlands and marshy terrain. Apart from the breeding season, these birds are found in large flocks and are very noisy birds. They nest on the ground, as many other ducks do. With large and stable population globally, the Eurasian Wigeon has been categorized under “Least Concern” by IUCN.

Until now, I have not been able to sight or photograph any specimen on the ground, mostly due to lack of spotting skills in my first year of birding, but was lucky enough to catch one in flight during a winter visit to Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur.