While the American Wigeon isn’t a resident of Costa Rica, these stunning ducks occasionally grace our mountain wetlands with their presence during their migratory journeys. So, keep your eyes peeled during the winter months (November to April) for a chance to spot this charismatic visitor!
A Dabbling Delight
The American Wigeon, also known as the Baldpate due to its gleaming white crown, is a medium-sized dabbling duck. Unlike diving ducks that disappear entirely underwater for food, dabbling ducks like the wigeon tip or dab their bills in the water, searching for aquatic plants, seeds, and insects.
Spotting the Splendor
Males are the true showstoppers. Their head boasts a rich brown base adorned with a bright green eye patch and topped with that unmistakable white crown. Their chest is a warm pinkish-brown, fading to a lighter grey on their back. Females, on the other hand, are dressed in a more subdued outfit of mottled browns and grays, offering excellent camouflage amongst the reeds.
A Whistling Wanderer
The American Wigeon is a vocal duck, and the mountains come alive with their melodic whistling calls, particularly during courtship displays. Listen for a high-pitched, wheezy whistle from the males, often accompanied by a head-bobbing display. Females also have a soft, chattering call.
A Mountain Marsh Oasis
While you might expect to see these ducks on open lakes, here in the mountains of Costa Rica, the American Wigeon frequents our shallower wetlands and marshes. They prefer areas with plenty of aquatic vegetation for foraging, so keep an eye out on calmer sections of mountain lakes and ponds.
A Glimpse of the North
The American Wigeon breeds in North America, and Costa Rica serves as a wintering ground for some individuals. Their migratory journey is a marvel of nature, highlighting the incredible adaptability of these feathered travelers.
An Unforgettable Encounter
Spotting an American Wigeon in the Costa Rican mountains is a unique experience. Their dazzling appearance and lively calls add a touch of the North American wilderness to our tranquil mountain haven. So, the next time you’re exploring the wetlands around our retreat, keep your binoculars handy. You never know when this special visitor might grace you with its presence!
Interested in learning more about Costa Rica’s incredible birdlife? Stay tuned for our next blog post!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)