Wildlife

Wild Wigeon Ecology and Conservation

Wigeon are specialist grazers that depend on specific grassland sward management at wintering and breeding sites for adequate food provision.

Key Facts

Wigeon graze short grass swards on coastal marshes and inland wetlands
UK supports over 400,000 wintering wigeon from Icelandic and northwest Russian breeding grounds
Breeding wigeon in Scotland have declined due to drainage and predator pressure on nesting areas
Appropriate grazing by cattle and horses maintains the sward height wigeon prefer
Climate change is affecting timing of vegetation growth relative to wigeon arrival in spring

Welfare Considerations

Wigeon require specific sward height and structure for efficient feeding - too long and they cannot access the nutritious leaf bases, too short and food quantity is inadequate. Appropriate grazing management of wintering sites directly affects individual bird energy balance and welfare. Where sward management has been abandoned, feeding efficiency drops, forcing birds to alternative sites or accepting reduced food intake that compromises condition.

What You Can Do

Support WWT reserve management that maintains appropriate sward for wintering wigeon
Advocate for wigeon-sensitive grazing management in coastal wetland agri-environment schemes
Visit wigeon wintering sites from designated viewing areas to minimise disturbance