Wigeon
Mareca penelope
Rualacha
Status All Ireland: Has bred past 10 years
Population estimate all Ireland: < 10 pairs
Survey timing: May to July
Habitat: Wetlands
Occurrence: Very sparsely distributed with slight concentrations along River Shannon and in Northern Ireland.
Habitat preference (simple description of preferred nesting habitat): In ground cover close to fresh water bodies.
Preferred ways to establish breeding status: Look out for adults escorting young on open water.
