Anas discors
Of waterfowl migrants, the Blue-winged Teal is one of the champions: individuals that nest in the Rockies frequently winter in the southern U.S. and Mexico. The white crescent on the male's cheek easily confirms the identity of this small duck. The Green-winged Teal is not the Blue-winged Teal's closest relative. Blue-wings are more closely related to Cinnamon Teals and Northern Shovelers, as a glance at their broad, flat bills will confirm. These three species also have very similar patterns of wing coloration: a pale-blue forewing and a green speculum. The scientific name discors is Latin for 'without harmony,' possibly in reference to this bird's call as it takes flight. |
I.D.: Male: blue-gray head; white crescent on the face; breast and sides are spotted with black. Female: mottled brown overall. In flight: blue forewing patch; green speculum. Size: L 14-16 in. (36-41 cm). Range: common migrant and uncommon breeder throughout the Rockies. Habitat: shallow lake edges and wetlands in the montane; prefers areas of short but dense emergent vegetation. Nesting: primarily on prairie potholes; in grass along shorelines and in wet meadows, usually very near water; nest is built with grass and considerable amounts of down; female incubates 8-11 eggs for 24 days. Feeding: gleans the water surface for sedge and grass seeds, pondweeds, duckweeds and aquatic invertebrates. Voice: Male: soft keck-keck-keck. Female: soft quacks. Similar Species: Harlequin Duck: blue-gray overall; white shoulder slash. Cinnamon Teal and Green-winged Teal: lack the white crescent on the cheek. Northern Shoveler: male has a green head and lacks the spotting on the body. |
