Watercolor portrait of American Wigeon (Mareca americana)

American Wigeon

Mareca americana
Breeds mainly in Alaska, western Canada,… Look for them on marshes, ponds, lakes,… Common Male breeding whistle

Learn to identify the American Wigeon by ear. Master the "whee-oo, whee-oo" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“whee-oo, whee-oo”

What the American Wigeon sounds like

The American Wigeon is a compact dabbling duck with a round head, a short bill, and a crisp, tidy look. Breeding males glow with a bright white forehead and a green eye patch, and both sexes flash a bold white wing patch in flight.

“whee-oo, whee-oo”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A clear, sweet whistle from the male. It carries well across open water and is one of this duck's signature sounds. Often written as “whee-oo, whee-oo”.
Don't confuse with:The Eurasian Wigeon — breeding male american wigeon has a bold green eye patch; breeding male eurasian wigeon usually shows a richer chestnut head without that strong green face stripe.

Lessons featuring the American Wigeon

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the American Wigeon's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Duck Dialects lesson habitat
Duck Dialects
Tier 11 · The Mixers
Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Look for them on marshes, ponds, lakes, estuaries, and flooded fields. They like open water with grassy edges where they can loaf and graze.

Most birders notice them in fall and winter, when flocks gather on wetlands and bays. In spring, pairs head north to prairie potholes and northern marshes to breed.

Similar species

Eurasian Wigeon

Breeding male American Wigeon has a bold green eye patch; breeding male Eurasian Wigeon usually shows a richer chestnut head without that strong green face stripe.

Gadwall

Gadwall looks plainer and finer-patterned, without the male wigeon's white crown and green eye patch.

Northern Pintail

Pintail is slimmer, longer-necked, and much more elegant in shape. American Wigeon looks compact and round-headed.

American Wigeon sound FAQ

What does an American Wigeon sound like?
A clear, sweet whistle from the male. It carries well across open water and is one of this duck's signature sounds. Listen for the "whee-oo, whee-oo" phrase.
How do I tell an American Wigeon from a Eurasian Wigeon by sound?
Eurasian Wigeon: Breeding male American Wigeon has a bold green eye patch; breeding male Eurasian Wigeon usually shows a richer chestnut head without that strong green face stripe.; American Wigeon often looks cleaner-faced, with a brighter white forehead and crown. Eurasian Wigeon usually shows a buffy-cream forehead on a deeper rufous head.; In flight, both males show very prominent bright white forewing patches. A more useful wing clue is on females: female American Wigeons usually show a paler, more contrasting forewing patch than female Eurasian Wigeons..
When is the best time to hear an American Wigeon?
Most birders notice them in fall and winter, when flocks gather on wetlands and bays. In spring, pairs head north to prairie potholes and northern marshes to breed.