Green-winged Teal
NameGreen-winged Teal
Common NameGreen-winged Teal
Scientific NameAnas crecca
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)56
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)350
Plumage DetailsThe male Green-winged Teal has a chestnut-colored head with a broad, iridescent dark green patch extending from the eye to the nape, bordered by a thin cream-colored line above and below. Its body is finely vermiculated gray, with a horizontal white stripe on the flank and a yellow patch under the tail. The speculum (wing patch) is iridescent green.
Vocalization / CallMales give a high-pitched, clear whistle, often described as a 'kri-kri-kri'. Females produce a soft, low quack.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, ponds, rivers, lakes
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across northern North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters south to Central America, northern Africa, and southern Asia.
Identifying Featuressmall size, chestnut head with green eye patch (male), white border around eye patch (male, especially Eurasian subspecies), finely vermiculated gray body (male), green speculum
Description
A small, agile dabbling duck, the male Green-winged Teal is strikingly patterned with a chestnut head, iridescent green eye patch, and finely vermiculated gray body. They are often found in shallow wetlands, feeding on seeds and aquatic invertebrates.
