Wigeon - Anas penelope
Description
This medium-sized duck has a characteristic rounded head. The male has a brown head with a yellow 'punk' crown stripe. The female is a soft ochre. These ducks make a memorable whistling call.
Habitat
Lakes, reservoirs, gravel pits.
When to see it
All year but larger numbers in winter.
Life History
They eat aquatic plants and grass, and can often be seen grazing near to water.
UK Status
Small numbers breed in Scotland and northern England but numbers are boosted in winter by migrants from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia.
VC55 Status
A common winter duck in Leicestershire and Rutland but scarce in the summer.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
Enter a town or village to see local records