Green-winged Teal

The green-winged teal (Anas crecca), also known as the common teal, is one of the smallest dabbling ducks in the world. It has a broad distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, breeding across northern Europe and Asia and extending into North America.

Adults typically measure around 34–38 cm (13–15 in) in length, with a compact body, short neck, and relatively narrow wings. Males in breeding plumage are particularly striking, with a chestnut head marked by a bold green eye patch, finely barred grey body, and a bright green wing patch (speculum) visible in flight. Females are more subdued, with mottled brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage. The species can be confused with other small dabbling ducks, but its small size, rapid flight, and distinctive green speculum are key identifiers.

The green-winged teal has had a complicated taxonomic history. The Eurasian form Anas crecca crecca and the North American form A. c. carolinensis have often been treated either as separate species or as subspecies of the same species. Recent global treatments now place them together under one species, Anas crecca, with carolinensis treated as the North American subspecies. The main visible difference is that males of the North American form usually show a vertical white stripe on the side of the breast, while Eurasian males lack this and instead show a more horizontal pale scapular line

The green-winged teal occupies a wide range of wetland habitats throughout the year. During the breeding season, it favors shallow freshwater environments such as ponds, marshes, bogs, tundra wetlands, and forest pools with dense vegetation. Outside the breeding season, it can be found in almost any aquatic habitat, including estuaries, coastal lagoons, and flooded fields.

It is primarily omnivorous, feeding on seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates such as insects, mollusks, and crustaceans. Like other dabbling ducks, it feeds by tipping forward in shallow water or by foraging on mudflats. Its bill contains fine, comb-like structures (lamellae) that allow it to filter very small food particles from the water—enabling it to exploit food resources unavailable to many larger ducks.

The green-winged teal is a highly social and active species, especially outside the breeding season. It often forms large flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands, particularly during migration and winter.

It is a fast and agile flier, with flocks often flying low over water in tight, synchronized movements. The species is generally more active at dawn and dusk, although it may feed throughout the day and even at night in undisturbed areas.

During the breeding season, pairs become more territorial and secretive, often hiding in dense vegetation. Males are vocal, producing clear whistling calls, while females give softer quacking sounds.

The green-winged teal is a strongly migratory species across most of its range. Birds breeding in northern Europe, Asia, and North America migrate southward in autumn to wintering areas in southern Europe, Africa, southern Asia, and Central America.

Migration typically begins early compared to many other ducks, with some populations moving as early as late summer or early autumn. In winter, large numbers gather in milder regions, often forming dense concentrations in wetlands. Some populations in temperate regions may remain year-round if conditions allow.

Interestingly, individuals do not always return to the same wintering sites each year, suggesting a flexible strategy in response to environmental conditions.

Breeding begins in spring, shortly after the birds arrive on their northern breeding grounds. Nests are typically built on the ground, well hidden among grasses, reeds, or low vegetation near water.

The female lays a clutch of around 5–16 eggs, which she incubates alone for about 21–23 days. After hatching, the ducklings are precocial—covered in down and able to leave the nest and swim almost immediately. The female leads them to nearby water and provides protection while they learn to forage.

Young birds grow rapidly and typically fledge within 4–6 weeks. Sexual maturity is usually reached after the first year. Lifespan can be surprisingly long for such a small duck, with recorded individuals living over 20 years in the wild.

The green-winged teal is currently classified as least concern on the IUCN Red List, reflecting its large population size and wide distribution.

Despite its overall stability, the species can be affected locally by habitat loss, particularly the drainage and degradation of wetlands. Pollution and hunting pressure may also impact certain populations, although it remains one of the most abundant and widespread ducks globally.