Wigeon
Mareca penelope
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Wigeons are one of the commoner winter ducks on the Sefton Coast. Unlike most ducks, they spend much of their time grazing short grass like geese. The male's whistling 'whee-oo' call is very distinctive. They breed in Iceland, Scotland and Scandinavia and are classic Sefton Coast winter birds.
At a Glance
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Habitat | Coastal lagoon · Coastal grassland · Marsh |
| Diet | Short grass, aquatic vegetation, seeds |
| UK population | Around 450,000 wintering birds from Iceland and Scandinavia |
| Sefton Coast | Hundreds to thousands at Marshside in peak winter; large grazingflocks on surrounding fields |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB lagoons and surrounding grass. Hesketh Out Marsh. Often grazes short grass.
Identification
Medium duck. Males: chestnut-red head, cream forehead, grey body, white flank patch. Females: warm rusty brown. Pointed tail. Whistling 'whee-oo' call.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Listen for the whistling call. Large flocks often graze the grass behind the sea wall as well as on the lagoons.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Wigeon call sound like?
The male Wigeon's call is a distinctive, musical 'whee-oo' whistle — once learned it's instantly recognisable and heard from some distance. The female makes a soft growling purr. Wigeon flocks at Marshside RSPB are often heard before they are seen.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.