Green-winged Teals

These are Green-winged Teals, a small duck that's theoretically here all winter. Almost all my sightings though have been in the spring, and the only exception was once in the fall. I suspect that although they might be kicking around in New Jersey during the winter in small numbers, it's when they pass through during migration that we're most likely to encounter these guys. (On the other hand, up north where they breed thousands can be found together.)

We're supposed to be able to identify the males of these ducks due to their rufus-colored heads with a sizable green patch that starts at the eye and extends to the back of the head. But that's not what you'll see in my pictures. Remember when I showed that in certain light a green-headed Mallard can look purple instead? That seems to be happening here too with our Green-winged Teal friend. 

April 22, 2022 at Duke Farms

Photo 197660298, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)


Here's a male/female pair.

April 22, 2022 at Duke Farms
Photo 197660243, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)




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