Blue-winged Teal Ducks

Blue-winged Teal Ducks

A PAIR is a male/female pair of unrelated birds.

• Breeding season April -May
• clutch size 6-14 eggs
• incubation period 21-27 days
• both genders 8.1 to 19.2 ounces.

During breeding season, the male Blue Winged Teal Duck has a bright white crescent around his eyes, a head sometimes described as steel blue and others as purple-blue, and the majority of his body is buff with dark brown spots. The wings have a green speculum and a pale blue shoulder patch that is visible in flight. Males have a dark blue-black bill and yellow legs.

The female is less dramatically colored, and very similar to the Cinnamon Teal hen. Her bill is a lighter grey-blue, and her legs yellow. Females also have the light blue wing patch, but are otherwise brown and buff patterned.

Depending on the source of information and the year you are researching, Blue Winged Teals are either the second or third most common duck in the US in the wild. They are highly migratory and their range includes areas from northern Canada to the northern parts of South America.  Blue Winged Teal Ducks prefer areas with abundant fresh water sources -- ponds, lakes, lagoons, and even swamps. The central grasslands of north America are their favorite breeding grounds. They travel farther south, and earlier than any other duck for the winter.

Housing Requirements: In captivity, these ducks require a secure pen. They are highly migratory and will fly away if they can. They also need a supply of fresh water and warmth in the winter.

Diet: Dabbling ducks, including Blue Winged Teal Ducks, don't dive for food -- or at least not often. They eat insects and plant matter from the shallows instead. Blue Winged Teals are dabblers, and usually feed around dusk.