A small, 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. Green-winged Teal -- Anas crecca -- South Dakota Birds
| Green-winged Teal | Length: 12 - 16 inches | Wingspan: 20 - 24 inches | Seasonality: Summer |
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Identification Keys MALES: Rusty head with green patch extending behind eye, white bar on site of chest, yellow "tail-light" Identification Keys FEMALES: Gray bill, small size, dark eyeline, plumage similar to many female dabbling ducks |
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A small, 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.
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
Migrations: 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.
Status: Generally stable throughout it's range, probably increasing in numbers.
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 26th, 2003 -- Long Lake near Madison -- Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click here for additional higher-resolution photos of this species.
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| South Dakota Status: Common migrant throughout the state. Uncommon in summer, most common in the northeastern part of the state. Rare in winter. |
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
