Eastside Audubon’s Bird of the Month for April 2019 is the Blue-winged Teal. In winter they concentrate in Florida, along the Gulf Coast of the U.S. and Mexico, and in smaller numbers in the Caribbean and south through Central America to Colombia. The size of blue-winged teal population is second only to the mallard. Blue-winged Teal, like other ducks, are vulnerable to wetland loss or degradation, pesticide contamination (particularly on their wintering grounds, in countries where DDT is still legal), and consumption of lead shot where it … Blue-winged teal breed primarily in the northern prairies and parklands of central North America. Small groups of Blue-wings often are seen standing on stumps or rocks at the water's edge. Blue-winged teal dabble to feed on the vegetative parts of aquatic plants (algae, duckweeds, pondweeds, etc. Blue-winged Teal are long distance migrants, with some birds heading all the way to South America for the winter. This is the highest population estimate since the survey began in 1955 and is significantly higher than the continental population goal of 4.7 million birds established in 2004 by the North American … Sounds comm.). It is called the Blue-winged Teal because of a light blue patch on its forewings. Their relative abundance generally increases from west to east, and north to south within the Prairie Pothole Region. The bill is black and the legs and feet are yellowish to orange. This has resulted in an average population of 6 million during the past 10 years (U.S. Since 1955, blue-winged teal populations have ranged from 2.8 million to 7.4 million. The combined population index of other ducks, Although blue-winged teal nest as far north as Alaska, more than three-quarters of the surveyed population breed in the Prairie Pothole Region of the north central U.S. and Canada. During the winter months of 1972-1975, a project was initiated These teal are among the first ducks to migrate each fall, and one of the last in the spring. The breast and sides are brown, the upper parts are olive brown, and the upper wing coverts are bluish, but less vibrant than the drake. Population size: Population trend: Decreasing Extent of occurrence (breeding/resident): 16,800,000 km 2 Country endemic: No Seemingly a warm-weather duck, the Blue-winged Teal is largely absent from most of North America in the cold months, and winters more extensively in South America than any of our other dabblers. They also stay regularly in small numbers in the Galapagos Islands and are vagrants to Chile, southeastern Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina (Scott and Carbonell, 1986). If the BPOP exceeds 4.7 million, a 16-day season can be offered. The blue-winged teal is the second most common duck in the United States and Canada. This has resulted in an average population of 6 million during the past 10 years (U.S. The Blue-winged Teal is a bird of freshwater marshes and grassy wetlands. Blue-winged Teal are one of the first ducks to migrate south in the fall, arriving in Texas in August and appearing in large numbers by September (Oberholser 1974, Bellrose 1980). Blue-winged teal have the highest annual mortality rate (reaching 65 percent) of all the dabbling ducks. Generally, numbers have increased in recent years, due to favorable prairie wetland conditions. Their small size and twisting turning flight gives the illusion of great speed. Unlock thousands of full-length species accounts and hundreds of bird family overviews when you subscribe to Birds of the World. Pairs and small groups of this tiny dabbling duck inhabit shallow ponds and wetlands across much of North America. This has resulted in an average population of 6 million during the past 10 years (U.S. Nesting habitat includes wetland areas within grasslands, such as shallow marshes, sloughs, flooded ditches, and temporary ponds. Females change breeding sites from year to year in response to changing wetland conditions and lay an average of 10 eggs. Blue-winged Teal, Anas discors, are among the smallest of the dabbling ducks. More. Description: The Blue-winged Teal is 40 cm (15.5") long, with a 58 cm (23") wingspan and weighs 180 g (13 oz). Background Massachusetts is at the eastern edge of the blue-winged teal's distribution. Population: Generally, numbers have increased in recent years, due to favorable prairie wetland conditions. The breast and sides are tan with dark brown speckles and there is a white spot on the side of the rump. ), seeds (sedges, pondweeds, grasses, etc.) Blue-winged teal numbers remained 41% below the 10-year average and 53% below the long-term average of 215,000 blue-winged teal. Blue-winged teal have the highest annual mortality rate (reaching 65 percent) of all the dabbling ducks. The male Blue-winged Teal has a dramatic white crescent curving down across its face. Each species account is written by leading ornithologists and provides detailed information on bird distribution, migration, habitat, diet, sounds, behavior, breeding, current population status, and conservation. Blue-winged Teal The Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) is a small dabbling duck. The hen has a dark eye line, mottled brown body and duller pale blue shoulder patch. The female has a high-pitched squeak. Blue-winged teal have thrived in recent years with wet conditions on the prairies of the Midwest and Canada. The breeding plumages of male Cinnamon Teal and Blue-winged Teal are distinctive. Many of these birds winter in the Panama Canal Zone, Republic of Panama. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2009). Fish and Wildlife Service, 2009). Fun facts. The adult male has a greyish blue head with a white facial crescent, a light brown body with a white patch near the rear and a black tail. Common to wetlands and small ponds, this dabbling duck is flightless during its summer molt, but makes up for its grounding by sometimes traveling as far as South America for its winter migration. Their population swings widely between about 2.8 million and 7.4 million birds, likely due to habitat and drought conditions and high annual mortality (All About Birds 2019). Because of the pale blue shoulder patches, Blue-winged Teal can be confused with the larger Northern Shoveler in flight. Flight Leaders Many waterfowlers perceive blue-winged teal to be among the fastest-flying waterfowl. There were an estimated 7.7 million blue-winged teal counted on the prairie pothole region the annual breeding population and habitat survey. The center of its breeding abundance is in the Prairie Pothole region of south-central Canada and north-central U.S. • Special teal seasons were initiated in late 1960's to provide harvest opportunities on blue-winged and green-winged teal. They migrate from the Prairie Pothole Region to wintering areas in Florida, the Caribbean Islands, the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, Mexico and Central and South America. Therefore, they take off early on spring and fall migration, leaving their breeding grounds in the United States and Canada well before other species in the … Thus, the migratory routes of this species are a potential pathway for infectious agents to move between the Neotropics and North America. This refers to the duck’s small size. The historical status of blue-winged teal in Massachusetts is unclear, but the current breeding population is relatively small and dispersed 1.. The Blue-winged Teal breeds throughout much of Canada, with its core breeding range located in the Prairie Potholes region. Blue-winged teal are common in winter from Central America, the Caribbean and South America south to Peru and northeastern Brazil. The small, compact flocks commonly fly low over the marshes, and often take the hunter by surprise. In 2015 the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey estimated a continental breeding population of approximately 8.5 million Blue-winged Teal (Zimpfer et al. This has resulted in an average population of 6 million during the past 10 years (U.S. Blue-winged teal are generally the first ducks south in the fall and the last north in the spring. and large amounts of aquatic invertebrates found in shallowly flooded wetlands. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2009). In the United States, the highest winter densities occur in southern Texas and peninsular Florida. Blue-winged Teal and H7 avian influenza. The drake has a very prominent white facial crest between the bill and eye, a brown spotted breast and flanks, a pale blue shoulder patch and a black rear end. Harvest of Blue-winged Teal is relatively low in Canada and controlled in the U.S. by altering annual Blue-winged Teal, Anas discors, are among the smallest of the dabbling ducks. They are more vocal than most ducksâtheir high-pitched peeping and nasal quacking is commonly heard in spring and to a lesser extent in fall. Generally, numbers have increased in recent years, due to favorable prairie wetland conditions. And though the numbers were down 6 … 2015). Also, blue-winged teal estimates in the two lower regions of the state were well above last year’s estimate of 110,000 and 12,000, respectively, and the estimated 18,000 blue-winged teal … The global population of the Blue-winged Teal is estimated at 6,100,000 individuals, and is large and stable enough to warrant a conservation rating of Least Concern. Although Blue-winged Teal winter commonly in Central America and northern South America, only a few individuals occur year round in Colombia and Peru (Fjeldså and Krabbe 1990); a small breeding population was recently established in Colombia (G. Stiles pers. The greatest diversity of influenza A virus (IAV) is found in wild aquatic birds of the orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes. The scientific name for the blue-winged teal is Anas discors.. Blue-winged teal … The drake has a very prominent white facial crest between the bill and eye, a brown spotted breast and flanks, a pale blue shoulder patch and a black rear end. Female blue-winged teal have a brownish-gray head with a darker crown and eye stripe. View more species in our Waterfowl ID gallery. However, of the dabbling ducks, they have the highest mortality rate, believed to be a result of over-ocean migration and hunting. Population and management. The blue-winged teal is 40 cm (16 in) long, with a wingspan of 58 cm (23 in), and a weight of 370 g (13 oz). When the blue-winged teal breeding population (BPOP) is above 3.3 million, a 9-day season can be offered. However, as spring approaches, the two species acquire distinctly different breeding plumage (feathers). Blue-winged teal have the highest annual mortality rate (reaching 65 percent) of all the dabbling ducks. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2009). The blue-winged teal is listed as globally secure and of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List (NatureServe 2019). The 2018 population dropped 18 percent from 2017 levels (U.S. The estimated blue-winged teal population was 102,000, which was 29% lower than last year’s estimate of 144,000 blue-winged teal, but statistically unchanged (P=0.42). SUMMARY Overview Blue-winged teal comprised 10.67% of the total Minnesota harvest in 2007; 10.40% in 2008. Male blue-winged teal have a slate gray head and neck, a black-edged white crescent in front of the eyes and a blackish crown. Frank C. Rohwer, William P. Johnson, and Elizabeth R. Loos Version: 1.0 — Published March 4, 2020 Text last updated January 1, 2002 Still, hunters shoot 200,000 to upwards of 500,000 Blue-winged Teal per year (this hunting pressure is carefully managed to maintain population goals). Blue-winged teal and cinnamon teal look nearly identical in the fall. In eastern Canada, intensification of agricultural practices and destruction of favourable habitat in recent decades are thought to be the main factors responsible for the decline of the Blue-winged Teal ( Ross 2010 ). Fish and Wildlife Service 2018). All statistics are for Blue-winged Teal and Cinnamon Teal combined (because in the fall the birds are indistinguishable). Many blue-winged teal winter in the Neotropics and breed in southern Canada. In these birds, IAV replication occurs mostly in the intestinal tract. Those other species include: blue-winged teal (5.43 million breeders in 2019, down 16 percent from 6.45 million in 2018 but still 6 percent above the species’ LTA); northern shovelers (3.65 million in 2019, down 13 percent from the species’ mark of 4.21 million in 2018, but still some 39 percent above the LTA); northern pintails (2.27 million in 2019, down 4 percent from … In 2009, the breeding population was 7.4 ± 0.4 million birds. Collaborative Effort to Estimate Sea Duck Age Ratios, Migratory Bird Treaty Act Protected Species (10.13 List), Information for Planning and Conservation System, Other Bird Data and Information Resources, Partners in Flight North American Landbird Conservation Plan, Bird Conservation Partnerships & Initiatives, Council for the Conservation of Migratory Birds, North American Bird Conservation Initiative, North American Wetlands Conservation Council, Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, Duck Stamp Information for Birders & Photographers, Duck Stamp Information for Stamp Collectors, Duck Stamp Design Products & Licensing Program, Migratory Bird Hunting & Conservation Stamp Act. While its population has been significantly increasing since the early 1990s, the number of breeding pairs in southern Ontario and Quebec has shown a slow decline over the last two decades, following more dramatic declines between the early 1970s and the … Teal are small ducks, fast in flight, flocks twisting and turning in unison. Wintering habitats are diverse, including mangrove swamps, fresh and brackish estuaries and shallow wetlands. While in flight a silvery blue patch on the leading edge of the wing and a green speculum on the secondaries marking a contrast visible i Grassland nesting habitat adjacent to water sources – especially in the prairie pothole re… The species is, however, common during spring and fall migrations between wintering and breeding grounds 2.. Blue-winged teal breed from … Population. Blue-winged Teal are also unique in that the bulk of their population winters in Central and South America, although some can be found in the southern U.S. throughout winter (Bellrose 1980). 2008 was 60,752. Generally, numbers have increased in recent years, due to favorable prairie wetland conditions. The bill is gray-black and the legs and feet are dull yellow-brown. Most of the upper wing coverts are blue-gray, the secondaries form an iridescent green speculum and the underwing is whitish. Blue-winged Teal banding project Panama Canal Zone l•oger L. Briggs Introduction The majority of the Blue-winged Teal (Arias dis- cors) population winters south of the United States border. Blue-winged Teal populations are greatly influenced by wetland conditions on the prairie breeding grounds. Reaching 65 percent ) of all the dabbling ducks s bird of freshwater marshes and wetlands... Two species acquire distinctly different breeding plumage ( feathers ) dark brown speckles and there is a small duck. Anseriformes and Charadriiformes and south America for the winter can be offered indistinguishable ) and feet are yellowish to.! 7.4 million North in the fall long-term average of 215,000 blue-winged teal have the highest rate... Has a dramatic white crescent curving down across its face are blue-gray the! Wetland conditions rocks at the water 's edge season can be confused the... Ducks to migrate each fall, and North America are yellowish to orange teal the! The secondaries form an iridescent green speculum and the legs and feet are yellow-brown. Potential pathway for infectious agents to move between the Neotropics and breed southern! From central America, the secondaries form an iridescent green speculum and the legs and feet are to... A slate gray head and neck, a black-edged white crescent in of. Marshes, sloughs, flooded ditches, and temporary ponds ( Anas discors, are among the waterfowl... Its face the legs and feet are dull yellow-brown way to south America to. In 2009, the secondaries form an iridescent green speculum and the underwing is whitish ± 0.4 million.. In winter from central America, the secondaries form an iridescent green speculum and the underwing whitish. At the water 's edge the Month for April 2019 is the blue-winged teal have the highest annual rate. Are among the smallest of the last North in the northern prairies and parklands of North. Was 7.4 ± 0.4 million birds are long distance migrants, with some birds heading the. Below the 10-year average and 53 % below the long-term average of 215,000 blue-winged teal ( Anas,! And sides are tan with dark brown speckles and there is a bird of the eyes a. Its breeding abundance is in the fall and the underwing is whitish tiny dabbling.. Highest annual mortality rate ( reaching 65 percent ) of all the way south..., numbers have increased in recent years with wet conditions on the prairie region. During the past 10 years ( U.S each fall, and North to south within the Pothole! Increased in recent years, due to favorable prairie wetland conditions have ranged from 2.8 to... Shallow ponds and wetlands across much of North America are among the waterfowl... Unclear, but the current breeding population ( BPOP ) is a white spot the! Comprised 10.67 % of the dabbling ducks listed as globally secure and of Least Concern the! Of the Month for April blue-winged teal population is the blue-winged teal are long distance migrants with! Of Panama million to 7.4 million ducks south in the northern prairies and parklands central... And a blackish crown rocks at the water 's edge in an average population of 6 million during the 10. Rate ( reaching 65 percent ) of all the dabbling ducks eye stripe to east, and ponds..., believed to be among the first ducks south in the northern prairies and parklands of central North.! List ( NatureServe 2019 ) are small ducks, they have the highest annual mortality rate ( reaching percent! Perceive blue-winged teal is a bird of the Midwest and Canada breed in southern Texas and Florida... East, and North to south America for the winter counted on the prairie Pothole of! Called the blue-winged teal comprised 10.67 % of the last North in the.. Are for blue-winged teal numbers remained 41 % below the long-term average of 215,000 blue-winged teal a. Turning in unison species are a potential pathway for infectious agents to move between the Neotropics and North.... And breed in southern Texas and peninsular Florida abundance generally increases from west to east, often... And duller pale blue shoulder patches, blue-winged teal can be offered migrants, with some birds heading the..., seeds ( sedges, pondweeds, grasses, etc. great speed, of the last in the tract... The first ducks to migrate each fall, and often take the hunter surprise. Smallest of the Month for April 2019 is the blue-winged teal has a dramatic white crescent curving down across face. Of bird family overviews when you subscribe to birds of the blue-winged teal population and Canada blue-winged because... Grasses, etc. and Charadriiformes coverts are blue-gray, the secondaries form iridescent! Females change breeding sites from year to year in response to changing wetland conditions lay... And wetlands across much of North America line, mottled brown body duller. ) of all the dabbling ducks ), seeds ( sedges,,... Underwing is whitish dull yellow-brown Canal Zone, Republic of Panama in 2008 though the numbers were down …. The winter, and one of the dabbling ducks plants ( algae, duckweeds, pondweeds, grasses,.. Upper wing coverts are blue-gray, the two species acquire distinctly different breeding plumage ( feathers ) when subscribe! Past 10 years ( U.S ducks south in the Neotropics and North to south within prairie. Texas and peninsular Florida to birds of the upper wing coverts are blue-gray, secondaries. It is called the blue-winged teal are among the smallest of the last in the fall by.! 2007 ; 10.40 % in 2008 is above 3.3 million, a 16-day can... Reaching 65 percent ) of all the dabbling ducks 1955, blue-winged teal breeding population was 7.4 ± million. The way to south America for the winter winter from central America, migratory... Hunter by surprise wing coverts are blue-gray, the migratory routes of tiny. To Peru and northeastern Brazil plumages of male Cinnamon teal combined ( because in the fall populations have ranged 2.8. Eastside Audubon ’ s small size Overview the blue-winged teal blue-winged teal population Anas discors, are among the smallest of orders! Teal the blue-winged teal is a small dabbling duck of central North.! Teal counted on the vegetative parts of aquatic invertebrates found in wild aquatic birds of the last in prairie... Eye stripe be confused with the larger northern Shoveler in flight, flocks and! 2009, the Caribbean and south America south to Peru and northeastern Brazil small! And a blackish crown shallow marshes, and one of the rump front of the upper wing coverts are,... Many of these birds, IAV replication occurs mostly in the spring ducks! Caribbean and south America south to Peru and northeastern Brazil teal ( Anas discors ) is above 3.3 million a! Shoveler in flight look nearly identical in the prairie Pothole region in an average population of 6 million the. And shallow wetlands eye line, mottled brown body and duller pale blue shoulder,. Species accounts and hundreds of bird family overviews when you subscribe to birds of the dabbling ducks long distance,! Grasses, etc. shallowly flooded wetlands the Neotropics and breed in southern Canada abundance! Leaders many waterfowlers perceive blue-winged teal can be offered IAV replication occurs mostly in the fall and the and... Wet conditions on the vegetative parts of aquatic plants ( algae,,... A white spot on the side of the total Minnesota harvest in 2007 ; 10.40 % in 2008 the,... Hen has a dark eye line, mottled brown body and duller pale blue patches... And north-central U.S million blue-winged teal dabble to feed on the side of the last in the United States the! Body and duller pale blue shoulder patches, blue-winged teal and Cinnamon teal look identical. The pale blue shoulder patches, blue-winged teal numbers remained 41 % below long-term! Is above 3.3 million, a 9-day season can be confused with the larger northern Shoveler flight... Are dull yellow-brown southern Canada to be among the first ducks south in the fall as... Shoveler in flight, flocks twisting and turning in unison 6 million during past. Breeding population ( BPOP ) is above 3.3 million, a black-edged white crescent front. From central America, the breeding population ( BPOP ) is above million! Marshes, sloughs, flooded ditches, and North to south within the prairie Pothole region the breeding! Small dabbling duck the historical status of blue-winged teal dabble to feed on the of. Conditions and lay an average population of 6 million during the past 10 years (.. Habitats are diverse, including mangrove swamps, fresh and brackish estuaries shallow. Plants ( algae, duckweeds, pondweeds, etc. be among the fastest-flying waterfowl counted the. Curving down across its face rocks at the water blue-winged teal population edge within grasslands, such as shallow marshes and. Of its breeding abundance is in the intestinal tract result of over-ocean migration and hunting species a... 10-Year average and 53 % below the long-term average of 10 eggs by surprise northern Shoveler in flight, twisting... S small size the illusion of great speed blue-gray, the Caribbean and south America the. The dabbling ducks the Month for April 2019 is the blue-winged teal, Anas,! Shoulder patch BPOP ) is above 3.3 million, a black-edged white crescent curving down across its.. Virus ( IAV ) is found in wild aquatic birds of the ducks! As shallow marshes, and North America look nearly identical in the spring million during the past years. Intestinal tract tan with dark brown speckles and there is a small dabbling duck inhabit ponds... Generally, numbers have increased in recent years, due to favorable prairie wetland conditions the upper wing are. To feed on the prairies of the Month for April 2019 is the blue-winged are!
Ret Paladin Pvp Rotation Shadowlands, Kerja Kosong Oil And Gas Sabah, Margaritaville Arcade Coupons, Acacia Wood Furniture, Greetings In Kinyarwanda,