The green-winged teal or American teal is a common and widespread duck that breeds in the northern areas of North America except on the Aleutian Islands. It was considered conspecific with the Eurasian teal for some time, but the two have since been split into separate species. The American Ornithological Society continues to debate this determination; however, nearly all other authorities consider it distinct based on behavioral, morphological, and molecular evidence. The scientific name is from Latin Anas, "duck" and carolinensis, "of Carolina".
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds across Alaska, much of Canada, and the northern United States in boreal forest wetlands, tundra ponds, and prairie potholes. Winters widely across the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and into Central America, frequenting coastal marshes, estuaries, and flooded fields. Uses shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands with abundant emergent vegetation for cover and feeding. Frequently seen on mudflats, beaver ponds, and agricultural wetlands such as rice fields.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of North America’s smallest dabbling ducks, the green-winged teal is noted for its quick, agile flight and conspicuous green wing patch. Males show a cinnamon head with a bold green eye-stripe in breeding season, while females are finely mottled for camouflage. It was long treated as conspecific with the Eurasian teal but is now widely recognized as a distinct species. Its whistled calls often reveal flocks long before they are seen.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats and agile, fast flier
Social Behavior
Forms large, cohesive flocks outside the breeding season, often mixing with other small dabbling ducks. Pairs form in late winter and early spring; the female builds a grass-lined ground nest concealed in vegetation near water. Clutch size is typically moderate, and the female alone incubates while the male departs early in the season.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Males give a clear, high-pitched whistled peep or bree note, especially during courtship and in flight. Females produce soft, rasping quacks and chatters. Flock contact calls carry well over open water and marshes.
