Post by Gord on Apr 4, 2009 22:21:41 GMT -8
Im often asked how to tell these two apart. The males of both species are fairly easy, but the females can be challenging. At Sardis Pond recently I was finally able to photograph a female Eurasian Wigeon at close range.
Eurasian females have a much 'warmer' head which does not contrast as sharply with the breast as does the more grey head on an American female.
Eurasian in the foreground, American in the back.
Ive read that the back on an Eurasian is less patterned than an American. I dont really find that helpful but in these pictures it does seem to hold true. Something to look at more on other birds in the future.
Eurasian
American
The other fieldmark is the black at the gape of the bill at the base where it attaches to the face. On an American, the black gives sort of a smile appearance.
Eurasian lack this.
Underwing colour is diagnostic but not easy to see unless in flight or flapping the wings. American's underwings have a lot of white while an Eurasian's is grey.
Eurasian females have a much 'warmer' head which does not contrast as sharply with the breast as does the more grey head on an American female.
Eurasian in the foreground, American in the back.
Ive read that the back on an Eurasian is less patterned than an American. I dont really find that helpful but in these pictures it does seem to hold true. Something to look at more on other birds in the future.
Eurasian
American
The other fieldmark is the black at the gape of the bill at the base where it attaches to the face. On an American, the black gives sort of a smile appearance.
Eurasian lack this.
Underwing colour is diagnostic but not easy to see unless in flight or flapping the wings. American's underwings have a lot of white while an Eurasian's is grey.