American Wigeon

Mareca americana (Gmelin, JF, 1789)

American Wigeon, Mareca americana, is a duck in the Anatidae family and the Anseriformes order. It breeds in North America, including Alaska, Canada and northern USA. The species is found across open wetlands and is a migratory bird. It is a dabbling duck and is closely related to the Eurasian wigeon. The male has a pale crown and forehead that give rise to the name baldpate. The species was once placed in Anas, but is now included in Mareca with other wigeons.

Order

Anseriformes

Family

Anatidae — Ducks, Geese, Swans

Breeding range

North America: Alaska, Canada and n USA

Nonbreeding range

Middle America