At one time abundant, but now declining due to hunting pressures in winter,
the breeding areas in eastern Siberia are local and isolated, but mainly in areas of river deltas. They only
just reach the northern shores of Lake Baikal. At one time thought to
be critically endangered, it turns out that huge wintering flocks had merely changed location. For the same reason the species
has finally been admitted to the British list, although some birds are undoubtedly escapes due to its popularity in collections,
wary, unringed birds associate with Wigeon coming from the east in winter. The right-hand shot is such a bird, others
are taken in captivity. Note the white loral spot of the female, which is diagnostic.
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