American wigeons: Swimming along the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Published 11:20 am Monday, January 6, 2025

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A male and female American wigeon (Mareca americana) are shown on the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. The male (top duck) will often have brightly colored feathers on the head and neck depending on the season.

The American wigeon diet consists of both aquatic and land plants. They are part of a duck group called dabbling ducks. That means they feed mostly on or near the surface as opposed to diving ducks, who will totally submerge themselves to feed deep.

American wigeons prefer shallow water where it’s easy to feed on plants such as cattail, sedge, a variety of grasses, duckweed and more.

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The American wigeon can be found all across North America.

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