Despite differing in colour, Eurasian Wigeon closely resembles American Wigeon in other respects, and hybrids occur regularly that feature characteristics from both parent species.
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The Eurasian Wigeon primarily breeds from Scandinavia to Siberia, and winter in regions of Europe, Africa, and south Asia. However, over the past few decades it has become a regularly occurring resident in Canada, although in very small numbers relative to the American Wigeon. The current Canadian population is estimated at approximately 200 individuals, but this may be an underestimate due to the challenge of monitoring species present at low density. This estimate represents less than 1% of the global population and a very low degree of responsibility for Canada. The Canadian population of Eurasian Wigeon has shown a large increase relative to 1970 based on the Christmas Bird Count. Confidence in this assessment is medium because the coverage is good, but precision of trends is only medium. The national population of Eurasian Wigeon is within its goal range.
The best source of information on the population status of Eurasian Wigeon is the Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The overall reliability of the CBC is considered medium, as it has good coverage, but only medium precision. CBC data for Canada indicate a large long-term increase in abundance of over 2000%, largely consistent with the continental increase of more than 500%. No surveys currently provide Canadian trend estimates for the breeding period.
The goal for Eurasian Wigeon is to remain at or above its recent population level, based on the Christmas Bird Count. Trend data show that Eurasian Wigeon is currently within its goal range.
Designation | Geographic Area | Status | CITATION |
---|---|---|---|
IUCN | Global | Least Concern | |
Wild Species | Canada | Unrankable |
Despite differing in colour, Eurasian Wigeon closely resembles American Wigeon in other respects, and hybrids occur regularly that feature characteristics from both parent species.
Eurasian Wigeon is only ever present in small numbers in Canada, and most observations occur in the nonbreeding season of fall through spring.