Blue-winged Teal

The blue-winged teal (Spatula discors) is a diminutive member of the dabbling duck family, Anatidae. Exhibiting a length of 40 cm (16 in), a wingspan of 58 cm (23 in), and weighing approximately 370 g (13 oz), this species is easily recognized by its distinctive coloration and markings.

Identification Tips

The adult male blue-winged teal can be identified by its greyish blue head adorned with a striking white facial crescent, a light brown body with a white patch near the rear, and a black tail. The female, on the other hand, is mottled brown with a whitish area at the base of her bill. Both sexes boast sky-blue wing coverts, a green speculum, and yellow legs. They undergo two molts annually, with an additional molt in their first year. The male's call is a short whistle, while the female utters a soft quack.

Habitat

The blue-winged teal is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, lakes, ponds, pools, and shallow streams with dense emergent vegetation. They are also known to inhabit salt-marsh meadows with adjacent ponds or creeks.

Distribution

This species is widespread across North America, breeding from southern Alaska to Nova Scotia and south to northern Texas. They winter along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, extending into the Caribbean islands and Central America. They are rare in the desert southwest and the west coast of the United States.

Behaviour

Blue-winged teals are known for their migratory patterns, being the first to head south in the fall and the last to return in the spring. They feed by dabbling in shallow waters and are often seen in flocks. During migration, they are capable of flying long distances over open ocean.

Song & Calls

The male blue-winged teal emits a short whistle, while the female communicates with a soft quack.

Breeding

Courtship begins in late winter, with nesting typically occurring between mid-April and mid-May. The nest is a shallow depression lined with grass and down. Clutch size varies, with an average of 10 to 12 eggs, and incubation lasts 21 to 27 days. Ducklings are precocial and can walk to water shortly after hatching but take 6 to 7 weeks to fledge.

Diet and Feeding

The blue-winged teal's diet is predominantly plant-based, including seeds and leaves of various aquatic plants. They also consume animal matter such as mollusks, crustaceans, and insects, particularly favoring seeds from mud flats.

Conservation status

The blue-winged teal is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and is considered Secure by NatureServe.

Predators

Predators of the blue-winged teal include a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles, such as snakes, snapping turtles, and various carnivorous mammals. Human hunting also poses a threat to this species.