Features& Description
The Green-winged Teal, Latin for “Anas crecca”, is the smallest of the ducks. Measuring just 38 cm with a wingspan of 59 cm, it is most recognizable in the male with its reddish-brown head and green sides over the eye. The boundary between these two color zones is marked by an enamel-yellow color.
The rump under the tail is light yellow with black edges, visible even at a great distance.
Females have brown spots with a small green mirror, and a wing band visible in flight.
Habitat(Biotope)
The Green-winged Teal is found in very large numbers in marshy areas, ponds and mudflats on the lake.
It is particularly fond of eutrophied ponds near wooded areas.
Behavior& habits
The Green-winged Teal is a very sociable duck, living in large groups. Very active both day and night, it can be observed all day long splashing around at the water’s edge in search of food, all the while making little whistling noises.
In the event of frost or snow, this duck tends to leave the area to go further south and find something to eat.
Reproductionand immature
The Green-winged Teal builds its nest on the ground in grassy areas.
Between 8 and 11 eggs are laid and incubated for 30 days.
The ducklings leave the nest as soon as they are born and join their parents on the water.
Cryor Voice
The noisy Green-winged Teal emits a clear, tinkling “krrik” whistle. Females have a hoarse, hoarse cackle, first high-pitched, then lower, “peeht-pèt-pèt”.
Teal Winter Marcel Milliard
