widgeon

1. Bird Name
The bird in question is the Widgeon, also scientifically named as Anas Penelope.

2. Appearance
Widgeons are characterized by their colorful plumage. The male boasts a chestnut head with an eye-catching yellow strip that streaks from its forehead to its beak. Its body is gray, modeled with fine white lines. The male widgeon’s backside changes color with the light but is typically seen as green, setting a stark contrast against its white belly. The female widgeon, comparatively, has subtler coloring. Its body is brown with small black streaks interspersed, with the underside lighter than the back. Both genders have a small bluish beak and deep brown eyes. One distinctive characteristic of widgeons is the upward curve at the tip of their tails.

3. Size
On average, widgeons can range from 45 to 58 cm in length (17-22 inches), boasting a sizeable wingspan of 71-80 cm (28-31 inches). Weight varies between genders, with males weighing around 800-1300 grams (1.7-2.8 pounds) and females slightly less, around 600-1100 grams (1.3-2.4 pounds).

4. Habitat & Distribution
Widgeons inhabit Northern America, Europe, and Asia, migrating south during winter to warmer regions. They are adaptable to both coastal and inland habitats. Preferring shallow water bodies, widgeons can be found in a variety of environments including salt marshes, ponds, lakes, and estuaries.

5. Interesting Facts
A fascinating fact about widgeons is that they often engage in a behavior known as ‘kleptoparasitism.’ This term refers to the act of stealing food from other birds, primarily diving ducks. Furthermore, they are known to form large, mixed-species groups during migration and in their wintering habitats. Their name ‘widgeon’ is believed to have derived from the French word ‘vigeon.’

6. Diet
Widgeons mainly feed on aquatic plants and grasses, but also supplement their diet with small insects and seeds. During the breeding season, they have been known to consume more animal matter, increasing their protein intake.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Widgeons are social birds that live in large flocks. During mating displays, the male uses his distinct coloration and issues a clear whistle sound to attract a mate. The female widgeon’s call, in contrast, is a low, raspy growl. Interestingly, widgeons are both dabbling and grazing ducks, which means they feed in water by upending, and they also graze on land.

8. Conservation Status
The widgeon is classified under ‘Least Concern’ in the IUCN Red List, due to its large population size and wide distribution.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, widgeons have been known to live up to 15 years while in captivity they can live up to 20-24 years.

10. Additional Notes
In Eastern Japan, this bird is referred to as hidorigamo. Widgeons play an essential role in aquatic ecosystems due to their diet, helping control the growth of aquatic plants. Human interaction is mainly limited to bird watching and occasionally, hunting, due to their large population. Widgeons are friendly and agreeable birds, making them admired among the birdwatching community. Their vibrant coloration and unique behaviors add a charismatic touch to any environment they inhabit.