Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope), Benson Wastewater Treatment Plant, Cochise County

This Eurasian Wigeon was discovered and photographed by Richard Fray on 06 February 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. Although hard to see, the solid rufous head and gray sides of this bird indicate it is not a hybrid.   rufous head and the lack of a black line at the base of the bill which indicate this bird is not a hybrid.

06 February 2011, photo by Richard Fray

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