The worldwide family Anatidae includes a large variety of aquatic, web-footed, gregarious birds such as ducks, geese and swans. Most are associated with wetlands, feeding on or near water. Ducks are swimming birds with characteristic broad, flat bills and short legs. The word "duck" is 
probably derived from the Old English "dce" or "dcan," meaning "to dive." Ducks of the genus Anas are freshwater, surface-feeding birds known as "dabbling ducks” or “dabblers;" they forage in shallow waters by tipping tail-up. American Wigeon is a freshwater dabbler having grayish to brownish plumage, a rather pointed tail, and a rounded head. Like all dabblers, wigeon can spring into flight from the water's surface, requiring no running take-off. In the air, wigeon are agile birds, flying in compact groups or uneven lines, often in flocks with other ducks.
Descriptions: American Wigeons are partial to freshwater shallows and marshes and occur along exposed shorelines and lakes. A medium-sized (48cm) duck, the American Wigeon has grayish or brownish black plumage and a white belly. Breeding males display a shiny, white crown (hence the old name, “Baldpate”) offset by an iridescent-green smudge flaring behind the eye. Breeding males display white wing coverts (leading edges of the wings). Adult females and immature birds display a speckled brown head that contrasts with the rusty brown breast and flanks. An iridescent green-black speculum (bright swatch on the inner trailing edges of the wings), a short bluish bill, and dark gray legs are present in all plumages.
Vocalizations: The female American Wigeon makes low quacking or harsh growling "waarrr" calls. A distinctive, airy, kazoo-like whistle 
characterizes the call of the male, "wi-WIW-weew."
Nest: American Wigeon females build their nests in wallowed-out ground depressions (scrapes) on dryer portions of their habitat. Concealed by high grass, the nest is filled with dry grasses and plant stems. Lined with fine feather down, the soft nest is safe haven for the 6-12, 54-mm, plain white eggs of the clutch. The female alone incubates the clutch for 23-25 days as the pair-bond with the male lasts only through the first or second week of incubation. As incubation progresses, additional down is added to the nest to insulate the clutch. Young birds fledge in 37-48 days post-hatching and are reared by the female. If the brood is threatened, the female feigns injury to distract the threat while the offspring scatter. When the young are well hidden, the female flies away.
Diet: American Wigeons forage in both freshwater and on land. In freshwater, they primarily feed on the leafy parts of aquatic plants, aquatic insects, snails, and other aquatic invertebrates. They forage by picking food from the surface of freshwater shallows (ponds and marshes). By "dabbling," (floating on the water's surface and abruptly pivoting headfirst and downward into the water while raising their hindquarters above water) these ducks are able to reach submerged aquatic plants and animals on the muddy bottom. On land, these ducks graze on grasses, grains and seeds of open areas.
Distribution: Breeding in the far north, these ducks occur throughout central Alaska, most of Canada and southward into the midwestern United States. They winter along the coasts of the United States (Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico), and south through Mexico, the Bahamas, and northern South America.
