Blue Winged Teals Go the Distance

These petite dabbling ducks inhabit shallow ponds and wetlands across much of North America and are well-traveled. They migrate back and forth from northern areas of South America all the way up to Alaska, breeding in most of the U.S. into Canada. Because of how far they migrate, they’re some of the last to arrive at breeding grounds and the first to fly south in autumn. They molt in late summer and are largely flightless at this time, getting ready for fall migration. Both have a blue wing patch that is mostly hidden when swimming, evident in flight. The male has a white crescent on a gray face in spring and early summer. In fall, many are in drab eclipse plumage, when males and females look alike.

They forage in shallow ponds, marshes, freshwater lakes, and brackish wetlands. They eat aquatic insects such as midge larvae, crustaceans, clams, and snails as well as vegetation and grains. They feed by dabbling—dipping their bill into the water, submerging their entire head, or tipping up to reach for prey or vegetation deeper underwater.

Like many ducks, Blue-winged Teal have a range of exaggerated motions that they use as courtship displays. Often, males will display these behaviors while oriented to the side of the female they are courting. They include pumping the head up and down, dipping the head under water rapidly, and tipping up or dabbling in the water with body feathers raised. Females may respond by “inciting”: lowering their heads, pointing their bill at the male, and then raising their heads. Females choose a nest site, which can take a few days. Nests are built just above water near vegetation, and a clutch is 6 to 14 eggs. Pair bonds typically dissolve during incubation, and adults form new pair bonds with different mates in the winter or spring.

Blue-winged Teal is the second most common duck in North America, behind the Mallard. However, llike other ducks, they are vulnerable to loss or degradation of wetlands, pesticide contamination (particularly on their wintering grounds in countries where DDT is still legal), and consumption of lead shot.

Original mixed media on raw stretched canvas with maple float frame. Alternative hardwood frames available upon request.

Sources: All About Birds and Audubon Society