The American Wigeon breeds in northwestern North America. In migration and in winter, it is found throughout the rest of the continent. "Baldpate" was the previous name of this species owing to the white stripe which resembled a bald man's head. It is a dabbling duck. A medium-sized bird, it is larger than a teal, but smaller than a pintail. It is distinguished from other dabbling ducks by its round head, short neck, and small bill.

During breeding season, the male is a striking bird with a mask of green feathers around its eyes and a cream colored cap running from the crown of its head to its bill. It has a white belly. In flight, the large white shoulder patch on each wing is its identification. In eclipse plumage, the drake looks more like the female. The female has gray and brown plumage. Both sexes have a pale blue bill with a black tip, a white belly, and gray legs and feet.

The PECk-O-MATIC Automatic Duck Feeder can help to make your birds self-sufficient, which is a bonus if you want to take a break from the daily routine. If feeding pellets, cracked corn or wheat the 5/8-inch regulator disc can be used. The 3/8-inch regulator disc from PECk-O-MATIC Automatic Duck Feeder can be used when the feed is crumble or milo.

American Wigeons nest on the ground, near water and under cover. It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation. The American Wigeon's short bill helps it to put more force at the bill tip than other dabbling ducks and this helps them to efficiently dislodge and pluck vegetation. It has a higher proportion of plant matter than the diet of any other dabbling duck.