Green-Winged Teal

Green-Winged Teal
Photo: USFWS

Male greenwings have a brown head, spotted tan breast and gray sides. The head turns chestnut-colored and has a green ear patch by early winter, when a white vertical crescent behind the breast becomes evident. Females are grayish-brown, speckled below. Both sexes sport a green speculum.

If a small duck without conspicuous wing colors flies by, it’s probably this species. From below, flying drakes show a light belly. The flight is fast, buzzy and erratic, usually low, with compact flocks wheeling in unison.

Green-Winged Tail Key Field Marks

Very small, short-necked and small-billed dabbling duck with a green speculum and lacking white wing patches.

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