Wigeon
Irish Name: | Rualacha |
Scientific name: | Mareca penelope |
Bird Family: | Ducks |
The Wigeon is a common winter visitor to wetlands across Ireland from September to April.
Identification
A medium-sized duck with a large, rounded head, a small bill, and a pointed tail. The male has a russet head and neck with a creamy yellow crown and forehead. Its breast is pinkish-grey, while the rest of the body is grey and white with a black stern. The female is greyish-brown with various mottled patterns. The speculum is dull and dark.
More details can be found at https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/wigeon/.