Wigeon
Mareca penelope
UK Amber ListEasy to see📍 Windermere
Season
October to March. Winter visitor.
Best time of day
Morning. Grazing on grass.
Lake District
Windermere. Ullswater. Winter. That whee-oo. Grazing on lakeshore grass. Male has chestnut head. Common.
UK population
Around 400,000 wintering. Breed in north.
Overview
Wigeon winter on the lakes. That whee-oo call. Windermere. Ullswater. Male has chestnut head. They graze. Winter. Common.
At a Glance
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Habitat | Lakes · Reservoirs · Estuaries |
| Diet | Grass, aquatic plants. Grazes. |
| UK population | Around 400,000 wintering. Breed in north. |
| Lake District | Windermere. Ullswater. Winter. That whee-oo. Grazing on lakeshore grass. Male has chestnut head. Common. |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Windermere, Ullswater, Bassenthwaite. Winter. That whee-oo call. Grazing ducks.
Identification
Dabbling duck. Male chestnut head, cream crown. Whee-oo call. Grazes. Winter.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Winter. Lakes. That whee-oo. Windermere. Ullswater. Common.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.