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What Is the Blue-Winged Teal?

Angie Bates
Angie Bates

The blue-winged teal is the second most common duck in the United States and Canada. Common to wetlands and small ponds, this dabbling duck is flightless during its summer molt, but makes up for its grounding by sometimes traveling as far as South America for its winter migration. The scientific name for the blue-winged teal is Anas discors.

Male blue-winged teals have steely gray heads and necks. Both males and females have blue-gray feathers on their upper wings, though the females' coloring is duller. The rest of their bodies are shades of patterned brown, except for the the edge of the upper wings in males. These feathers are a bright, iridescent green. In breeding season, the males also have a curving white line of feathers outlining the bill, and their breasts are more boldly speckled.

A small duck, the blue-wing teal averages between 14.2 and 16.1 inches (36–41 cm) long. As with most ducks, the males are slightly larger than the females. The average wingspan of these ducks is 22–24.4 inches (56–62 cm).

Blue-winged teal ducks may feed on water lilies.
Blue-winged teal ducks may feed on water lilies.

The blue-winged teal inhabits calm freshwater or brackish areas, mostly marshes, ponds, and small lakes. They are particularly abundant during breeding season in the wetlands area of the central United States called the Prairie Pothole region. These ducks are often seen in pairs or groups, and frequently inhabit the same areas as other duck species.

Called a dabbler, the blue-winged teal typically feeds by dipping its beak, dunking its head, or tipping half its body underwater. It feeds on seeds and other grains, particularly in the winter, as well as aquatic insects and crustaceans. Aquatic vegetation, such as water lilies, may also be part of its diet.

During mating season, these ducks can be found mostly in pairs. Nests are made by the female and are simple circular depressions in the ground under the cover of foliage. The nests are lined with grass and down. The female lays 6–14 eggs and incubates them for three or four weeks while the male stands guard, but once the eggs hatch, the male leaves. Nestlings are born downy and are mobile after a few days.

Though up to 65 percent of these ducks die each year, the blue-winged teal is still an extremely abundant species in North America. In 2009, their estimated average population over the previous decade was around 6 million. The only other duck species with a greater population is the mallard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Blue-winged Teal and where can it be found?

The Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) is a small dabbling duck native to North America. It's known for its striking blue wing patches, which are most visible in flight. These birds breed in the northern United States and Canada, and migrate to Central and South America for the winter. They frequent shallow wetlands, marshes, and ponds.

What does the Blue-winged Teal eat?

Blue-winged Teals are omnivorous, with a diet that includes seeds, aquatic invertebrates, and plant matter. They typically feed by dabbling on the water surface or by tipping up rather than diving. During breeding season, their diet shifts more towards protein-rich invertebrates to provide the necessary nutrients for reproduction.

How can you identify a Blue-winged Teal?

To identify a Blue-winged Teal, look for the distinctive blue patches on the forewings, a white crescent in front of the eyes, and a speckled brown body. Males have a bold white facial crescent during breeding season, while females are mottled brown overall. Both sexes have a greenish patch on their wings, visible in flight.

What is the breeding behavior of the Blue-winged Teal?

Blue-winged Teals are ground nesters, with females laying 6-14 eggs in a well-concealed nest near water. The female incubates the eggs alone for about 24 days. After hatching, ducklings are precocial and leave the nest within a day, guided by the mother to water where they feed and grow rapidly.

Are Blue-winged Teals endangered?

Blue-winged Teals are not currently endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are listed as Least Concern due to their wide range and large population numbers. However, they are subject to habitat loss and changes in wetland environments, which could impact their populations in the future.

What is the migration pattern of the Blue-winged Teal?

Blue-winged Teals are among the first ducks to migrate south in the fall and one of the last to return north in the spring. They undertake long migrations from their northern breeding grounds to wintering areas in Central and South America. Some even reach the Caribbean and the northernmost parts of South America, showcasing their remarkable endurance.

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    • Blue-winged teal ducks may feed on water lilies.
      By: Pavel Klimenko
      Blue-winged teal ducks may feed on water lilies.