Wigeon look-alikes

Key differences

The male American Wigeon has a white crown (not creamy-yellow) and a prominent green patch behind the eye, contrasting with the Wigeon's chestnut head. The flanks are pinkish-brown in Eurasian Wigeon, while American Wigeon has grey flanks. Females are very similar, but American Wigeon often shows a darker head and a more bluish bill base.

Key differences

Both sexes of Gadwall have a white speculum (wing patch), but it is entirely white, not bordered with green as in Wigeon. Gadwalls are generally greyer overall, and males lack the Wigeon's distinctive head pattern. Gadwalls have a longer, more slender bill.

Key differences

Female Mallards are larger and have a more mottled brown plumage with a distinct orange bill with a black saddle. They also have a blue speculum, not green, and lack the Wigeon's small bill and rounded head shape.