Blue-winged Teal

The Blue-winged Teal is a small dabbling duck known for its swift, erratic flight and the striking powder-blue wing patches visible in flight. Males in breeding plumage feature a slate-blue head with a prominent white crescent mark in front of the eye, a cinnamon-brown body, and a black rear end.

Stunning iridescent metallic blue-green (structural color) on the outer web, transitioning to dark charcoal grey-black, bordered by a sharp subterminal black band and a clean white terminal tip. The inner web is muted grey-brown.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure across the distal portion with a small plumulaceous base; barbs are intact and well-formed with minimal fraying.

Smooth, glossy, and water-repellent surface on the pennaceous vane, with a soft, downy base.

Distinctive combination of metallic blue-green iridescence, a sharp subterminal dark band, and a crisp white terminal tip.

Shallow wetlands, marshes, ponds, sloughs, and shallow lakes with abundant emergent vegetation.

Breeds across North America from Alaska through Canada down to the northern United States; winters in Central and South America as well as the Gulf Coast.

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants and serves as prey for various raptors and mammalian carnivores; excellent indicator of wetland health.

Cinnamon Teal and Green-winged Teal, though the striking blue coverts are diagnostic for blue-winged and cinnamon teal.

Blue-winged teal are among the earliest migratory ducks to head south in the autumn and the last to return to their northern breeding grounds in the spring.

Good condition, showing minor natural wear at the very tip but otherwise intact with vibrant coloration.