Green-winged Teal

Green-winged Teal
Photo credit: Jimmy Jackson
-Anas carolinensis-

North America's smallest dabbling duck. The name is derived from the white-edged bright green speculum. Male's chestnut head and dark green eye patch lend to create a handsome appearance in flight and at rest. Females have drab plumage year around, quite like the mallard hen. Fast flying and exceptionally agile in flight, green-winged teal can be easily mistaken for shorebirds. Highly gregarious, often forming large flocks. Feeds by dabbling for plants in shallow water and also grazing in fields. Breeds in northern prairie pothole and marsh country, present in Texas November through March on lakes and estuaries.