The American Wigeon breeds in northwestern North America and is found throughout the rest of the continent in migration and in winter. The colorful reflections are from surrounding rhododendrons and trees.

This male in breeding plumage seen in Portland, Oregon. He has a white forehead and fore-crown and broad dark-green patch extending from behind eye to nape. Bill is bluish-gray with black tip. Cheeks and chin grayish. Breast, sides, and back are pinkish-brown. Rear flanks show a white patch; under-tail coverts are black.