Birds diurnal

Chiloe Wigeon

Mareca sibilatrix

A vibrant masterpiece of the wetlands, the Chiloé Wigeon captivates with its emerald crown and melodic whistle. These social 'whistling ducks' are as at home grazing in your meadow as they are paddling through the reeds.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 43–54 cm (17–21 in); Wingspan: 75–86 cm (30–34 in); Weight: 800–950 g (1.8–2.1 lbs)

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Colors

Metallic emerald-green head patch, white forehead and cheeks, black and white barred breast, and warm orange-brown flanks.

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Key Features

Iridescent emerald-green patch behind the eye
Bright white forehead and cheeks
Bold black and white barred pattern on breast and back
Warm buff/orange flanks and white wing coverts

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6-10 AM and 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round in native South American ranges, with peak visibility during the breeding season from September to December.

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Diet Primarily herbivorous, they graze on grasses and sedges on land and dabble for aquatic plants, algae, and seeds in shallow water.

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Habitat Freshwater lakes, marshes, slow-moving rivers, and coastal lagoons, particularly those adjacent to open grasslands or meadows.

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Behavior

The Chiloé Wigeon is a highly social and vocal dabbling duck, famous for the melodic three-note whistle that gives it the scientific name 'sibilatrix.' Unlike many other duck species where males are much flashier than females, Chiloé Wigeons are monomorphic, meaning both sexes share the same beautiful, intricate plumage. They are often seen in pairs or small family groups, maintaining strong bonds that can last for several seasons.

These ducks are as comfortable on land as they are in the water. While they are proficient swimmers, they spend a significant amount of time walking through meadows and grassy banks to graze. They are generally less shy than other wild waterfowl, especially in areas where they have become accustomed to human presence, making them a delight for backyard observers with water features.

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Camera Tips

To capture the stunning iridescence of a Chiloé Wigeon’s head, camera placement is everything. Position your camera at 'duck-eye level'—roughly 6 to 10 inches off the ground—near the edge of a pond or a known grazing spot. This low angle provides a much more intimate perspective than a traditional high-mounted trail camera and helps capture the light reflecting off their metallic green feathers. Try to orient the camera so it faces away from the morning sun to avoid harsh glares on the water’s surface.

Because these ducks are active grazers, look for areas of short, lush grass near the water. You can encourage them to linger in front of your lens by providing a 'dabbling zone'—a shallow area of water with flat stones or a scattering of specialized waterfowl grain. Avoid bread, as it lacks nutrition; instead, use leafy greens like chopped kale or floating duck pellets. Set your camera to a high-speed multi-shot mode, as their movements while preening or stretching their wings are quick and graceful.

Using the video setting is highly recommended for this species to capture their unique 'whistle' communication. A 15-30 second video clip will often catch the male’s distinctive call or the social interactions between pairs. During the spring, keep an eye out for the parents leading ducklings; positioning your camera near a gentle slope where they enter or exit the water is the best way to capture these family moments. Ensure your PIR (motion) sensor sensitivity is set to 'High' to detect these medium-sized birds from a distance.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Chiloe Wigeon.

American Wigeon

The American Wigeon has a much darker face and the male has a creamy-white crown rather than the full white face-mask of the Chiloe.

Eurasian Wigeon

Eurasian Wigeon males have a distinct chestnut-red head with a buffy forehead, lacking the green iridescence and white cheeks of the Chiloe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chiloé Wigeon are primarily diurnal, meaning they are active during daylight hours. You will find them most active during the 'golden hours' of early morning and late afternoon when they alternate between foraging in the water and grazing on nearby banks.

To attract these ducks, maintain a clean freshwater pond with shallow edges. They are also attracted to open, well-maintained grassy areas where they can graze safely. Providing waterfowl-safe grains or leafy greens near the water's edge can encourage them to visit regularly.

Their diet is almost entirely plant-based. They eat aquatic vegetation by 'dabbling' (tipping upside down), but they also walk onto land to graze on clover, lawn grasses, and various seeds.

In their native range in South America, they are common in suburban parks and gardens that feature ponds or lakes. In other parts of the world, they are popular in waterfowl collections and may occasionally be seen in local wetlands if they have escaped captivity.

Look for the distinctive white 'mask' on the forehead and cheeks combined with the iridescent green patch on the side of the head. Unlike the American Wigeon, the Chiloé Wigeon has very bold black-and-white barring on its chest and the male and female look almost identical.

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