A gregarious, short-legged, short-billed, long-winged duck, on sea or freshwater, typically grazing on wet fields or marsh in tight groups; often very noisy, drakes’ clear whistles unique.

Most ducks are beautiful, but there is little to compare with the sight of a densely packed flock of Wigeon grazing on an emerald-green saltmarsh with deeply incised, silver creeks in low winter sunshine. They have a perfection of form combined with an elegance of colour and pattern that elevates them to a level above that of many other common birds. Added to this perfection in appearance, they are lively and interesting to watch. The males also have lovely calls, making a Wigeon flock one of the delights of winter birdwatching. In the air, Wigeon tend to form long lines, chevrons, and V-shapes as they fly high up, moving very fast, although they do not have the Teal’s aerial agility in confined spaces.