Wigeons

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of waterfowl that belongs to the dabbling duck group, characterized by their distinctively patterned plumage and short bills
2. A group of ducks known for their colorful appearance and tendency to forage in shallow waters for food
3. Birds recognized for their adaptability to various habitats, often found in wetlands and coastal areas, which exhibit strong seasonal migrations

Etymology: "Wigeons" is simply the plural of "wigeon," so the history belongs to the singular. The bird's name surfaced in English in the early 16th century, probably borrowed from Middle French "vigeon," which descends from Old French "vingeon" or "vigeon." Those forms are thought to derive from the Old French verb "vignier," meaning "to whine or shout," with the common noun-forming suffix "-on" attached. The name thus seems to describe the bird's call rather than its looks.