Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

Green-winged Teal are a common, fast-flying dabbling duck, often forming tight compact flocks as they wheel and turn in unison.  Green-winged Teal tolerate cold weather better than other teal, and can thus be found further north in the winter.  They are the smallest of the "dabbling ducks" found in the United States.

Habitat: Marshes and shallow ponds and lakes in the breeding season.  Found in similar habitats during winter and in migration, but can also be found in shallow coastal bays and estuaries.

Diet: Primarily feeds on plant material, including seeds, grasses, and aquatic plants.  Also will eat insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Behavior: Usually travels in small flocks, although at major migration stopovers, flocks may number in the thousands.  They rest out of the water more than many ducks, and can sometimes be found on low-hanging branches and logs.  Foraging is primarily by upending in shallow water, filtering mud through the bill, and by picking items from the water's surface.

Nesting: Late May and June

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Green-winged Teal song 

Migration: Summers throughout Canada, Alaska, and much of the northern and western United States. Winters in the southern half of the United States and points south. 

Similar Species: Male generally distinctive, female difficult to correctly identify.

Conservation Status: Generally stable throughout it's range, probably increasing in numbers.  The IUCN currently lists the Green-winged Teal as a species of "Least Concern".

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Green-winged Teal

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Green-winged Teal"

3) eNature.com: Green-winged Teal

Photo Information: April 1st, 2012 - Dewey Gevik Nature Area near Sioux Falls, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Green-winged Teal photos.