Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope), Sun Lakes, Maricopa County

This Eurasian Wigeon was found by Tom Lewis during Phoenix Aquatic Bird Survey conducted 15 January 2011 and was photographed by Pierre Deviche on 17 January 2011.

Eurasian Wigeon has become something of a "Scottsdale Specialty." The urban ponds in that city attract a few Eurasian Wigeon among large flocks of American Wigeon every winter. Away from Scottsdale Eurasian Wigeon is a casual winter visitor to the rest of the state.

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.

17 January 2011, photo by Pierre Deviche

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