Texan Blue-Winged Teal

Spatula discors

The Blue-Winged Teal breeds across most of the USA and Canada, except the Southwest and Southeast USA. Their preferred breeding habitat is sparsely covered prairies and parkland. During winter months they migrate south and stay in fresh or brackish marshes and lakes. Their winter range extends from the North American coastlines and the south USA states, Mexico, Central America and northern South America. Texas hosts a non-migrating population of Blue-Winged Teal.

These dabblers are abundant in North America. Only the Mallard has a larger population. Females build their nests in well-concealed places usually hidden from view from all directions, including from above. After reaching the breeding grounds, it may take days to decide on a proper nesting site. The male stands guard while the hen explores the area for a suitable site. These ducks spend less time on the breeding grounds than most dabblers, heading north late and leaving early.

This gallery displays images of birds I met at Aransas NWR, but I’ve also found these birds accommodated my camera in California and the Yukon Territory in Canada. To see those images, visit the <Species Gallery>.