The American Wigeon is also called Baldpate because of the white crown feathers of the male. When it comes to birds, bald means white - much like the Bald Eagle's name. Like many of the prairie waterfowl including mallards, pintails and coots, the American Wigeon winters on the warmer west coast and returns to its summer range in the spring. They range north into the Northwest Territories and Alaska and across the great plains. Their range is currently expanding eastward. American Wigeons feed on plant materials on the shores of wetlands, in shallow waters and in fields. They nest on dry land, often far from water.
Nights are usually spent away from the shore.