Eurasian Wigeon

Eurasian Wigeons (Anas Penelope) are northern Eurasian and Icelandic ducks. Their specific name Penelope possibly refers to Penelope, the wife of Ulysses of Greek mythology, who was flung into the sea as a baby and was rescued by some birds that ever after were called her by name. More likely, the name refers to penelops, a term coined by Aristotle to denote a type of seabird. They have got vinaceous breasts and rich chestnut-red heads topped with golden-buff to creamy-yellow crown stripes. Highly vocal, drakes are more vociferous than their counterparts on the opposite side of the Atlantic. The wigeon are noted for a rapid whistling flight, and overhead flocks generate fluttering sounds when braking in the air. Often flying in compact flocks, sometimes the ducks tend to string out in long straggling lines. Freely mingling with swans, geese, diving ducks and coots, Eurasian Wigeons (Anas Penelope) regularly pirate food the other birds dredge up from the bottom. Primarily nocturnal feeders, the ducks also forage during the day because feeding cycles are largely determined by tides, disturbance and local weather. Breeding pairs, decidedly maritime in winter, seek lowland freshwater wetlands surrounded by scattered trees or open boreal forests and tundra. Open tundra is generally avoided, as are fast-flowing rivers and streams. Nesting begins as early as mid-April in ice-free areas such as Britain, but not until late May farther north. Drakes remain with their mates until incubation begins or even later, and then engage in a molt migration to sites that may be a great distance from nesting areas. Nets are normally concealed in tall grass or other vegetation. Incubating Eurasian Wigeon (Anas Penelope) can be within a few yards of one another on small, predator-free islands. Ravens and mink are major eggs and duckling predators.