Wigeon look-alikes

Key differences

The American Wigeon male has a white crown (not yellow) and a green patch behind the eye, whereas the Eurasian Wigeon male has a creamy-yellow crown and a chestnut head. Females are very similar, but American Wigeon females often show a whiter belly and a darker head with a more distinct dark eye-stripe. The call of the American Wigeon is a three-note whistle, distinct from the Eurasian Wigeon's two-note call.

Key differences

Gadwalls are generally darker and more uniformly grey-brown. Males lack the bright head markings of the Wigeon. Both sexes of Gadwall have a white speculum (wing patch), but it is bordered by black and rufous, unlike the Wigeon's pure white speculum. Gadwalls have a longer, more slender neck and bill.