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Green-winged Teal
Anas crecca
The Green-winged teal is the smallest North American dabbling duck. The male has a chestnut colored head with a crescent shaped green eye patch running to the back. Females are a mottled brown and lack the distinctive green stripe. They both have green wing patches that are visible in flight.
Range & Habitat
The green-winged teal is found in marshes, rivers and bays throughout North America.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Diet
In the Wild – mainly seeds, grasses, and aquatic plants, but will also eat smaller invertebrates.
At the Zoo – Waterfowl grain mix.
Life Span
In the Wild: 20+ years
In Human Care: 20-30 years
In Human Care: 20-30 years
Fun Facts about the Green-winged Teal
- Green-winged teals are among the fastest ducks, able to fly up to 60 mph.
- They are very active on foot and can run and walk for long distances.
- They capture smaller food items than other dabbling ducks due to the lamellae (closely spaced, comb-like projections) around the inner edge of their bill.
- The males whistle while the females quack.
Sources
BirdLife International (2021) Species factsheet: Anas carolinensis. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 28/02/2021.
Chesapeake Bay Program (Ed.). (2021). Green-winged Teal. Retrieved February 28, 2021, from https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/field-guide/entry/green_winged_teal
Cornell University (Ed.). (2019). Green-winged Teal. Retrieved February 28, 2021, from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green-winged_Teal/overview
Kaufman, K. 2017. Green-winged Teal (On-line), Audubon Guide to North American Birds. Accessed February 28, 2021 at https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/green-winged-teal
Updated June 13, 2023
Location:
Waterfowl Pond
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