Green-winged Teal
Image: Ирина Хохрякова (cc-by)
NameGreen-winged Teal
Common NameGreen-winged Teal
Scientific NameAnas crecca
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)56
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)350
Plumage DetailsMales have a chestnut head with an iridescent green patch extending from the eye to the nape, bordered by a thin white line. Their body is grey with fine vermiculations, a vertical white bar on the side of the breast, and a prominent yellow triangular patch under the tail. Both sexes display an iridescent green speculum (wing patch). Females are mottled brown, similar to other female dabbling ducks but smaller, and also show the green speculum.
Vocalization / CallMales give a high-pitched, clear whistle, often described as 'kri-kri-kri'. Females produce a soft, high-pitched quack.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater wetlands, marshes, shallow ponds, slow-moving rivers, flooded fields
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across northern North America and Eurasia, including Alaska, Canada, and northern Europe/Asia. Winters south to Central America, northern Africa, and southern Asia.
Identifying FeaturesSmallest dabbling duck, Male's chestnut head with iridescent green eye patch, Iridescent green speculum (wing patch) on both sexes, Male has a vertical white stripe on the side of the breast, Male has a yellow patch under the tail
Description
The Green-winged Teal is a small, agile dabbling duck often found in freshwater wetlands. Males are strikingly patterned with a chestnut head and a distinctive green eye patch, while females are mottled brown. They are highly migratory and feed by dabbling in shallow waters.
