The green wing teal (Anas crecca) is a small dabbling duck found in wetlands across much of the Northern Hemisphere. Green wing teals are migratory birds, breeding in northern regions during summer and migrating south to warmer climates for winter. Their breeding and wintering ranges span a wide geographic area across several continents. Here is an overview of where green wing teals are found throughout the year.
Breeding Range
Green wing teals breed across the northern parts of Eurasia and North America during the summer months. Their breeding range extends from Iceland and Scandinavia across northern Russia to Alaska and northern Canada. Throughout this region, green wing teals nest near ponds, marshes, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They prefer wetlands with dense vegetation where they can hide their nests.
Some of the key breeding areas for green wing teals include:
- Iceland
- Scotland
- Scandinavia
- Northern Russia and Siberia
- Alaska
- Northern Canada
- Hudson Bay Lowlands
Green wing teals start forming pairs to breed starting in April and May. They build nests on the ground concealed in vegetation, often some distance from water. Females lay 6-16 eggs which incubate for 21-23 days. The ducklings hatch in late spring and early summer and follow their mothers to wetlands where they learn to feed.
Wintering Range
As temperatures drop in the fall, green wing teals migrate south to warmer regions where they spend the winter. Their winter range extends across Europe, Asia, and North America in areas with available wetland habitat and unfrozen waters. Major wintering regions include:
- Britain
- Mediterranean region
- Black Sea and Caspian Sea
- Eastern and Southern China
- Japan
- Southeastern United States
- Mexico
- Coastal areas of California
Green wing teals often migrate in large flocks mixed with other duck species. They primarily frequent coastal marshes, lakes, ponds, and flooded fields while wintering. In some warmer areas, they may overwinter if adequate habitat and food resources are available.
Year-Round Range
Small populations of green wing teals inhabit certain temperate and subtropical wetlands year-round. They do not migrate and maintain permanent residency in these areas. Some locations where green wing teals can be found year-round include:
- British Isles
- Netherlands
- Coastal Spain and Portugal
- Northern Africa
- Hawaiian Islands
These non-migratory populations still require areas of open water throughout the winter. But they are able to withstand somewhat colder temperatures compared to migrating populations. The green wing teals may move locally between wintering and breeding sites.
Habitat Preferences
Throughout their extensive range, green wing teals occupy a variety of freshwater and brackish wetland habitats. They favor areas with dense aquatic vegetation where they can find food and conceal themselves. Some of their preferred habitats include:
- Marshes
- Swamps
- Ponds
- Lakes
- Slow rivers
- Flooded fields
- Coastal lagoons
- Estuaries
During the breeding season, green wing teals look for wetlands surrounded by meadows, thickets, or other low dense vegetation where they can hide their nests. In winter, they also utilize sheltered coastal habitats like bays, inlets, and deltas.
Population Estimates
Green wing teals have an extremely large global population estimated at anywhere from 2.8 to 6.4 million birds. They are the most abundant Eurasian dabbling duck. Population trends appear stable or increasing in most regions. Here are population estimates for major flyways and wintering regions:
Region | Population Estimate |
---|---|
Northwestern Europe | 710,000 – 1,000,000 |
Northeastern Europe/Northwestern Asia | 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 |
Western Siberia/Southwestern Asia | 1,000,000 – 2,500,000 |
Eastern Asia | 500,000 – 1,000,000 |
North America | 100,000 – 1,000,000 |
The largest populations winter in Europe and Asia. Population densities are much lower but still substantial across North America. Green wing teals are the second most abundant duck species wintering in the United States after the mallard.
Threats and Conservation
Because green wing teal populations remain relatively robust, the species is considered of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. However, wetland loss and degradation due to agriculture, urbanization, and pollution continue to threaten key habitat. Climate change altering water availability and freezing patterns may also impact wintering and breeding areas.
In North America, the green wing teal is among the top five most harvested ducks by hunters after the mallard, wood duck, green-winged teal, and blue-winged teal. Hunting is carefully regulated with strict bag limits and other protections to ensure harvests remain sustainable. The species also benefits from numerous wetland restoration and conservation initiatives across its range.
Conclusion
In summary, green wing teals occupy a vast range across northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia where they breed during summer. In winter, they migrate south to subtropical and temperate regions with suitable wetland habitat on multiple continents. Year-round populations exist in some mild maritime climates. Green wing teals utilize diverse freshwater and coastal wetlands and remain one of the most plentiful duck species. Conservation efforts focused on protecting key wetland ecosystems will help ensure green wing teal populations remain secure into the future.