Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope), Flagstaff Continental Golf Course, Coconino County

This Eurasian Wigeon was photographed by Shaun Putz on 15 January 2010.

Male Eurasian Wigeon observed at the Continental Golf Course pond on Mt Pleasant Dr. in Flagstaff.  It has also been seen on other ponds in the area. This bird could possibly be the same bird that has wintered here for the past few years.

Hybrids between Eurasian and American Wigeon are frequent in Arizona and must be carefully separated from pure Eurasians.   Note the pure gray sides of this bird which sharply contrast with the pinkish breast,  the solid rufous head and the lack of a black line at the base of the bill which indicate this bird is not a hybrid.

15 January 2010, photo by Shaun Putz