Date: 5/31/11
Contact: Aaron Meier
Phone: (775) 688-1998

American Wigeon Selected for 2012 Duck Stamp Contest

In a case of history repeating itself, the Nevada Waterfowl Association (NWA) has selected the American Wigeon for this year's Nevada Duck Stamp Art Contest, 20 years after the long time contest sponsor last selected the wigeon for the contest.

The 2012 Nevada Duck Stamp Art Contest is sanctioned by the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners (NBWC), with the winning artwork to be featured on the 2012-2013 state stamp.

All interested artists are encouraged to enter the contest, whether residing in Nevada or elsewhere. Entries must be an original creation, in any drawing medium and must be received by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) no later than October 21, 2011. Contest rules are available on the NDOW website at http://www.ndow.org/wild/stamp, or by calling (775) 688-1998 for more information.

The American Wigeon (Anas americana) is a common and widespread duck species. The wigeon nests farther north than any other dabbling duck with the exception of the northern pintail. Their breeding groups include northern Alaska, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. Wigeons typically arrive on wintering grounds first in the fall. Winter migration brings wigeon to Nevada each year. Their wintering grounds include most of the lower latitudes of North America, Central America and even the Northern extremes of South America.

The American Wigeon is a medium-sized duck; it is larger than a teal, but smaller than a pintail. In silhouette, the wigeon can be distinguished from other dabblers by its round head, short neck and small black-tipped bill. The breeding male (drake) has an iridescent mask of green feathers from its eyes to the back of its head, and a white colored cap running from the crown of its head to its bill. This white patch gives the wigeon its other common name, baldpate (meaning bald headed). Their breast and sides are pinkish-brown with a white underbelly. In flight, wigeons can be identified by the large white shoulder patch on each wing. These white patches flash as the bird banks and turns. In non-breeding plumage, the drake looks more like the female.

The American Wigeon is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and usually feeds by dabbling for plant food or grazing, which it does very readily. While on the water, wigeon often gather with feeding coots and divers, and are notorious for grabbing pieces of vegetation brought to the surface by diving water birds. For this reason, they are sometimes called "poacher" or "robber" ducks.

Entries will be judged by seven individuals, including two members of the NBWC and five others as appointed by the Nevada Waterfowl Association. The names of the top ten finalists will be announced by NDOW on November 14, 2011.

In the state of Nevada, any person 12-64 years old who hunts any migratory bird except mourning or white-winged dove, snipe, coot or moorhen (gallinule) is required to purchase a state duck stamp. Money from the sale of Nevada Duck Stamps is used for projects approved by the Commission for the protection and propagation of migratory game birds, and for the acquisition, development and preservation of wetlands in Nevada.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.