American Wigeon
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Anas americana
Annual vagrants from North America from September-March, 500 records for Britain.
There are 10-15 per year.
Breeds in North & Central North America and winters south to Northern South America.
The breeding Male is a striking bird with a mask of green feathers around its eyes and a cream-colored cap running from the crown of his head to his bill.
His belly is also white.
In flight, drakes can be identified by the large white shoulder patch on each wing.
These white patches flash as the birds bank and turn.
Eclipse Males are similar to Females, but darker.
Females are browner than the Males.
The Male whistle makes a wheezy whoee-whoe-whoe, whereas the Female has a low growl qua-ack.