ExploreBirds

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

The Blue-winged Teal is a small duck with beautiful blue wings! They love to swim in ponds and marshes, and they often travel in groups called flocks.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Blue-winged Teal has a distinctive blue patch on its forewing, visible in flight and at rest, contrasting with iridescent green speculum feathers. Males display a prominent white crescent on their face in front of the eye, while females are mottled brown with a paler face.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusSpatula
Blue-winged Teal
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Blue-winged Teal

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Blue-winged Teals get their name from their amazing bright blue wing feathers!

Male blue-winged teals have a high-pitched whistling call, not a typical quack!

These ducks are among the last to migrate north in spring and first to leave in fall.

They migrate all the way to South America, one of the longest duck journeys!

Special abilities

Ability

Rapid Take-off

Blue-winged Teal has strong leg muscles that allow for a quick, vertical take-off from the water, helping them escape predators.

Ability

Filter-Feeder Finesse

Blue-winged Teal can skim the water surface, using specialized bill lamellae to filter tiny aquatic invertebrates and seeds.

Ability

Long-Distance Traveler

Blue-winged Teal can migrate thousands of kilometers annually, guided by instinct to warm wintering grounds.

Measurements & details

Length
35-46 cm
Wingspan
58-79 cm
Weight
0.28-0.57 kg
Lifespan
10-17 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
6-17
Incubation
21-27 days
Migration Distance
6400 km

Diet & Feeding

Blue-winged Teals dabble in shallow water to eat tiny plants, seeds, and aquatic insects.

Primary Foods

  • aquatic insects
  • seeds
  • small crustaceans
  • algae
  • aquatic plants

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch ducks from a distance and don't feed them bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Blue-winged Teal?

35-46 cm

What is Blue-winged Teal's wingspan?

58-79 cm

How much does Blue-winged Teal weigh?

0.28-0.57 kg

How long does Blue-winged Teal live?

10-17 years

How fast can Blue-winged Teal move?

70 km/h

What does Blue-winged Teal eat?

Blue-winged Teals dabble in shallow water to eat tiny plants, seeds, and aquatic insects.

Where is Blue-winged Teal usually found?

Wetlands

How does Blue-winged Teal hunt?

Foraging

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