American Green-winged Teal Bird Details
Anas carolinensis
American Green-winged Teal,Green-winged Teal, American Teal;
merikan Hara-Chudi Wala Batakh
Johann Friedrich Gmelin, 1789
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Anas
North America, from Canada to the United States, Central America
Appearance :
The American Green-winged Teal is a small dabbling duck characterized by its compact body, slender neck, and short tail. Males have a striking green wing patch and a chestnut-colored head, while females are mottled brown for camouflage.
Behaviour :
They are social birds that often form small flocks. Males are known to be quite vocal during the breeding season, engaging in elaborate courtship displays.
Habitat :
The American Green-winged Teal prefers shallow freshwater marshes, ponds, and lakes with abundant vegetation. They also inhabit rice fields and coastal wetlands.
Diet :
Their diet consists mainly of aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They feed by dabbling and tipping up in shallow water.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The American Green-winged Teal breeds in North America, primarily in Canada and the northern United States. During winter, it migrates to southern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America.
Population Size :
The population is estimated to be in the millions, with numbers fluctuating based on environmental conditions and migration patterns.
Life Span :
The average lifespan of an American Green-winged Teal in the wild is about 5 to 10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: A small, slender dabbling duck with a compact body.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Males have a distinctive chestnut-brown head with a green stripe, while females have a more muted brown coloration.
- Bill: The bill is broad and slightly flattened, adapted for dabbling.
- Bill Length: About 3.5 to 4.5 cm.
Length :
Approximately 34 to 38 cm.
Neck :
Short and slender neck.
Size :
Small-sized duck, with males slightly larger than females.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and pointed, characteristic of dabbling ducks.
- Tail Length: Around 6 to 8 cm.
- Feathers: Males have vibrant plumage, including a green wing patch, while females are mottled brown for camouflage.
Weight :
Approximately 300 to 500 grams.
Wing :
Long and pointed wings, allowing for agile flight.
Wing Span :
Approximately 60 to 70 cm.
Facial Feature :
Males have a distinctive green stripe running from the eye to the back of the head, while females have a more uniform brown coloration with mottled patterns.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is typically a shallow depression lined with plant material, built close to water.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are constructed using grasses, sedges, reeds, and down feathers for insulation.
Breeding Season :
Breeding typically occurs from late March to early July
Nesting Season :
Nests are usually built in dense vegetation near water sources, and females lay a clutch of about 6 to 12 eggs.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale blue to greenish in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4.6 to 5.1 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 3.3 to 3.8 cm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg typically weighs around 30 to 40 grams.
Clutch Size :
The average clutch size is about 6 to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally, the American Green-winged Teal raises one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 21 to 28 days.
Nestling Period :
Ducklings fledge and become independent approximately 40 to 50 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Males produce soft whistling sounds, while females emit a variety of quacking calls.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are more colorful and exhibit brighter plumage, including the characteristic green wing patch, while females are camouflaged with mottled brown feathers.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The American Green-winged Teal is a migratory bird, typically traveling in small flocks.
- Migration Period: Migration occurs in the fall (September to October) and spring (March to April), with birds moving to breeding and wintering grounds.
- Migration Route: They migrate from breeding grounds in Canada and northern United States to wintering areas in southern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America.