A rare Eurasian Wigeon duck has been found among the many mallard ducks at the Pond off Turkey Trot at Libby Hill Trails. It was first found in late October and continues to get logged on the Libby Hill Forest Hot Spot on eBird. It is the 149th species of bird found at our pond near the Middle School. It will soon migrate and be gone but you will see avid birders each day scanning the low water ponds for this rare bird.
What is a Eurasian Wigeon?
The Eurasian Wigeon is a stunning species of dabbling duck from the Old World, which includes Europe, Asia, and Africa. It’s closely related to the more common American Wigeon we see here in Maine, and they often flock together.
- Male (Drake): The most striking difference is the male’s appearance. The drake Eurasian Wigeon has a distinctive chestnut-brown head with a bright, creamy-yellow stripe on its forecrown. Its body is mostly a pale, silvery-gray.
- Female (Hen): The female is more subtly colored, primarily brown, which can make her tricky to distinguish from the female American Wigeon, though the Eurasian tends to have a slightly redder-brown head.
- Behavior: Like the American Wigeon, they feed by dabbling—sifting food from the surface or “tipping up” to reach submerged vegetation.
Why is This Sighting So Rare in Maine?
This is a big deal for local birders because the Eurasian Wigeon is considered a rare visitor or vagrant to North America, and particularly to the eastern part of the continent like Maine.
- Wrong Continent: As its name suggests, this duck’s main range is across Europe and Asia. The closest regular breeding population is in Iceland.
- Accidental Traveler: The Eurasian Wigeon we see here is likely a bird that has flown off course during its migration, a phenomenon known as vagrancy. It got blown far off its typical migration route—perhaps from Iceland or Western Europe—and ended up thousands of miles from home!
- Annual, But Few: While a few Eurasian Wigeons are typically reported in Maine each year, these sightings are always highly anticipated events due to their irregularity and the distance the bird has traveled. Finding one at our local pond is a true treat!
If you are lucky enough to spot this distinctive duck, please remember to observe it quietly and respectfully from a distance. Let’s make sure this tired traveler feels welcome during its brief, unexpected stay.
To learn more about this duck visit Allaboutbirds.org.