THE WIGEON. 



Mareco penelope (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 48. 



The Wigeon is a common winter visitant to the estuaries and shores of the 

 British Islands, frequenting also inland waters and river valleys. It nests in various 

 parts of Scotland, more often in the northern counties of that country than else- 

 where, although in recent years its breeding range has extended more to the 

 southwards, and nests have even been recorded in the north of England and in 

 Wales. The Wigeon ranges far and wide over Europe, from about the Arctic 

 Circle southwards, breeding in the northern portions and migrating to the more 

 temperate parts in winter, when it also visits North Africa. A few are sometimes 

 found on the coast of North America as well as in Alaska. 



The nest, well hidden amongst the cover of rushes, rank grass or heather, and 

 having a snug lining of down, usually contains from seven to ten cream-coloured 

 eggs. 



The favourite feeding grounds of the Wigeon are the Zostera-covered mud- 

 flats on our coasts, this marine vegetation forming the principal part of their diet, 

 although they also eat other aquatic plants as well as animal food. For a short 

 period after their arrival the birds, which often congregate in enormous flocks, are 

 less wary and unapproachable than they afterwards become, and at first feed by day, 

 but when much persecuted they change their habits and become nocturnal. 



The call-note of the male is a shrill double whistle. 



38 



