Wigeon
Anas penelope
Length 45-57cm

Scarce breeding species but locally common winter visitor to Britain and Ireland. Male has orange-red head with yellow forehead, pinkish breast and otherwise finely marked, grey plumage; characteristic black and white stern. In flight, male has bold white wing patch. Reddish brown female best told by association with male. Favours mudflats and saltmarsh; locally also on inland wetlands. Male's wheeoo call evocative of winter estuaries.