blue winged teal

1. Bird Name
The Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) is a fascinating species best known for their colorful pattern and migratory habits.

2. Appearance
As the name suggests, the Blue-winged Teal male exhibits striking blue feathers on their wings, which is prominently displayed during flight. Their body displays a mix of muted browns, adorned with small white spots. The male Teal’s head is a blend of light and dark grey, with a white crescent in front of each eye that emphasizes their black eyes. The females, however, have a more subdued coloration of mottled brown, which aids them with camouflaging, necessary for nesting protection. Both genders maintain a light blue patch on their wings, with black and white boundary stripes. Their beaks are small and black – a perfect tool for their foraging lifestyle.

3. Size
The Blue-winged Teal is a smaller species of duck, with an average length of 40 centimeters (approximately 16 inches). Their wingspan can reach up to 58-61 cm, lending to their agility in flight during migration. Adult Blue-winged Teals typically weigh between 350-500 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Blue-winged Teal is native to North America, spreading from the U.S. Midwest to the Canadian prairies. They favor wetlands, shallow ponds, marshes, and coastal waters; mostly places with plenty of vegetation. During the winter months, this species migrates south, traveling as far as South America – one of the longest migration distances of any North American duck species.

5. Interesting Facts
This bird species is indeed a champion migrator. Arriving in their breeding grounds only for a short summer stay, they are often the last to arrive and first to leave. Blue-winged teals have also been known to play dead to escape predators – an unusual behavior that highlights their survival instincts. The Blue-winged Teal is renowned in many indigenous cultures for its ability to journey long distances, symbolizing resilience and strength.

6. Diet
Their diet mostly consists of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. They are dabbling ducks, which means they feed on the surface of the water or by tipping forward to reach submerged items, rarely diving completely.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Blue-winged Teals have a relaxed, low-key personality and are often in pairs or group formations. They seldom upend in the water or tip forward to feed. Rather, they filter food items out of the water with their bills. Their communication sounds include a high-pitched whistle by the males and a soft quack from the females.

8. Conservation Status
The Blue-winged Teal is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, although populations have been known to fluctuate, which could be an early indicator of habitat changes needing attention.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, the Blue-winged Teal typically lives up to 15-20 years. In captivity, with a controlled environment and lack of predators, their lifespan can extend a bit longer.

10. Additional Notes
In Spanish, the Blue-winged Teal is known as “Cerceta Aliazul.” The Teal plays a crucial role in wetland ecosystems by controlling insect populations and aiding in plant dispersal. It has often been known to interact harmoniously with other waterfowl species and human beings, often being a popular bird attracting bird watchers across the Americas.