American Wigeon

Anas americana

If you squeeze a rubber ducky, you’ll make a sound like the male American Wigeon’s call: “WHEE-who” or “Whi-WHEE-who.” In winter, these gray and rust-colored ducks forage in the shallows of the marsh and lagoon, dabbling in the water and tipping their tails in the air to uproot eelgrass. Their short bills give them the leverage to clip vegetation or dig up roots, even on land.

Fun Fact:
American Wigeons used to be known as "baldpates" for the shiny, pale patches of white feathers on their heads.

What’s for Lunch:
Mostly aquatic plants and sometimes the occasional insect or mollusk

Where’s Home:
The marshes and lagoon in winter; nests in Canada or Alaska