Green-winged Teal
NameGreen-winged Teal
Common NameGreen-winged Teal
Scientific NameAnas crecca
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)56
Length (cm)36.5
Weight (g)350
Plumage DetailsFemales are mottled brown with a darker crown and eye-line, and a pale belly. Both sexes possess a distinctive iridescent green speculum (wing patch), often bordered by white, visible in flight or when the wings are slightly open. Breeding males have a chestnut head with a broad green patch extending from the eye to the nape, outlined in white, a gray body, and a vertical white stripe on the side of the breast.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a high-pitched, clear whistle, often described as 'kri-kri' or 'preep'. Females utter a soft, low quack, typically a series of short notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, ponds, rivers, estuaries, flooded fields
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across northern North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters south to the southern United States, Central America, northern South America, southern Europe, Africa, and southern Asia.
Identifying FeaturesSmallest dabbling duck, Iridescent green speculum on wing, Female: Mottled brown plumage, dark eye-line, Male (breeding): Chestnut head with green eye-patch and white border, Male (breeding): Vertical white stripe on flank, Small bill
Description
The Green-winged Teal is a small, agile dabbling duck found in wetlands across the Northern Hemisphere. Females are mottled brown, while breeding males display a distinctive chestnut head with an iridescent green eye-patch. They are often seen feeding by tipping up in shallow water.
