Green-winged Teal
Image: lava_chen (cc-by-nc)
NameGreen-winged Teal
Common NameGreen-winged Teal
Scientific NameAnas crecca
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)56
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)325
Plumage DetailsThe breeding male has a chestnut head with a broad iridescent green patch extending from the eye to the nape, bordered by a thin creamy line. Its breast is pinkish-brown with dark spots, flanks are grey, and the back is vermiculated grey. A prominent iridescent green speculum is visible on the wing. The female is mottled brown overall with a darker crown and eye-stripe, also featuring the green speculum.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a distinctive high-pitched, short, clear whistle, often described as 'kriik-kriik'. Females have a softer, less emphatic quack.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, estuaries
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) breeds across temperate Eurasia and migrates south to Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia for winter. It can also be found in parts of North America, where it overlaps with the American Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis).
Identifying Featuressmall size, male's chestnut head with iridescent green eye patch, iridescent green speculum on wing, female's mottled brown plumage, male's high-pitched whistle
Description
This small dabbling duck is characterized by its compact size and distinctive plumage. Males display a striking chestnut head with an iridescent green eye patch, while females are mottled brown. They are typically found in shallow freshwater wetlands, feeding on seeds and aquatic invertebrates.
