- Blue-winged Teal
Taxobox
name = Blue-winged Teal
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
image_width = 250px
regnum =Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo =Anseriformes
familia =Anatidae
genus = "Anas " (disputed)
species = "A. discors"
binomial = "Anas discors"
binomial_authority = Linnaeus,1766
synonyms ="Querquedula discors"
"Spatula discors" (but see text)The Blue-winged Teal ("Anas discors") is a small
dabbling duck . Its placement in "Anas " is by no means certain; a member of the "blue-winged" group also including theshoveler s, it may be better placed in "Spatula". It is not ateal in the strict sense, and also does not seem closely related to theGarganey as was for some time believed. Indeed, its color pattern is strikingly reminiscent of theAustralasian Shoveler .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. The adult female is mottled brown. Both sexes have a blue wing patch. In flight, they flap their wings especially rapidly.
Their breeding habitat is marshes and ponds throughout north and central
North America . The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with grass and down, usually surrounded by vegetation.They migrate in flocks to Central andSouth America . During migration, some birds may fly long distances over open ocean. They are occasional vagrants toEurope , where their yellow legs are a distinction from other smallduck s likeCommon Teal andGarganey .DNA analysis of this species has revealed it's genetic make up to be almost identical to that of theCinnamon teal .These birds feed by dabbling in shallow water. They mainly eat plants; their diet may include
mollusc s and aquaticinsect s.The call of the male is a short whistle; the female's call is a soft quack.
References
* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
External links
* [http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i1400id.html Blue-winged Teal] at USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter
* [http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Blue-winged_Teal.html Blue-winged Teal] at Cornell Lab of Ornithology
* [http://www.sdakotabirds.com/species/blue_winged_teal_info.htm Blue-winged Teal Information and Photos] at South Dakota Birds and Birding
* [http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?recnum=BD0394 Blue-winged Teal Information] at eNature.com
* [http://www.massaudubon.org/birdatlas/index.php?search=yes&id=49 Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas]
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