Green-winged Teal
Image: Bill Apostle Stefanidis (cc-by-nc)
NameGreen-winged Teal
Common NameGreen-winged Teal
Scientific NameAnas crecca
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)56
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)320
Plumage DetailsMales have a distinctive chestnut-colored head with an iridescent green patch extending from the eye to the nape, bordered by a creamy line. Their body is gray with a vertical white stripe on the flank, a yellow patch under the tail, and a prominent iridescent green speculum on the wing. Females are mottled brown overall, with a darker crown and eye-line, and also possess a green speculum.
Vocalization / CallMales typically emit a high-pitched, whistled 'kri-kri-kri' or 'preep-preep' sound. Females produce a soft, low quack.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, ponds, rivers, lakes
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Green-winged Teal breeds across northern North America, Europe, and Asia. It winters in southern North America, Central America, northern South America, Africa, and southern Asia.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Iridescent green speculum on wing, Male's chestnut head with green eye-patch, Male's vertical white stripe on flank, Male's yellow patch under tail
Description
The Green-winged Teal is a small, agile dabbling duck commonly found in shallow wetlands. Males are strikingly patterned with a chestnut head and iridescent green eye-patch, while females are mottled brown. They are known for their swift flight and often feed by dabbling for seeds and invertebrates at the water's surface.
