Yes, cinnamon teal can be found in Texas during certain times of the year. The cinnamon teal is a small dabbling duck that breeds in the western United States and Canada. During the summer breeding season, cinnamon teal are found primarily in the northwestern part of Texas in the Panhandle region. However, cinnamon teal will migrate through much of the state in the spring and fall as they move between their summer breeding grounds and wintering areas farther south.
Where are cinnamon teal found in Texas?
During the spring and summer breeding season, cinnamon teal are most commonly found in the Panhandle region of Texas. This includes areas like Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Amarillo. Smaller numbers may nest in wetlands farther south and east, but the Panhandle has the largest breeding population in the state. The cinnamon teal prefers shallow freshwater wetlands with dense emergent vegetation for nesting and feeding. These types of wetlands are most abundant in the High Plains region of the Panhandle.
During migration in March-April and September-October, cinnamon teal will stopover at wetlands, lakes, ponds, and flooded fields across much of Texas. High numbers pass through coastal areas like Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and inland sites such as the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Cinnamon teal have been recorded in over 40 counties in Texas during migration.
In the winter, most cinnamon teal from farther north migrate into Mexico and along the Gulf Coast. However, small numbers of cinnamon teal can overwinter along the central and southern Texas coast and inland at sites like Lake Somerville.
Key regions cinnamon teal inhabit in Texas
- Panhandle – Breeding and summering habitat
- Central Texas – Migration stopover sites
- Gulf Coast – Migration and some wintering habitat
What time of year are cinnamon teal present in Texas?
Cinnamon teal are present in Texas primarily during the spring and fall migration periods, with some remaining in the Panhandle region to breed during the summer months. Here is an overview of when cinnamon teal occur in different parts of Texas:
Panhandle Region
- March to May – Arrive on breeding grounds
- June to August – Breeding and raising young
- September to November – Fall migration departure
Central and Gulf Coast Texas
- March to May – Spring migration stopover
- September to November – Fall migration stopover
- December to February – Possible wintering by small numbers
The peak months to see cinnamon teal in most of Texas are April and October during the spring and fall migration. However, breeding birds on territory can be observed from June through July in the Panhandle region wetlands.
What is the cinnamon teal habitat and diet?
The cinnamon teal prefers shallow freshwater wetlands with dense emergent vegetation for breeding and foraging habitat. In Texas, they are often found in wetlands in the High Plains:
- Shallow lakes and ponds with bulrush, cattail, and other aquatic plants
- Flooded agricultural fields
- Wet meadows and marshes
During migration they will stop at a wider variety of habitats including coastal marshes, rice fields, ponds, and reservoirs. Their diet consists primarily of aquatic plant material, small invertebrates, and seeds. They dabble in the shallow water to feed on items near the surface. Invertebrates like insects, mollusks, and crustaceans become more important during breeding season when protein demands are higher for egg production.
Key Habitat Features
- Shallow freshwater ponds and wetlands
- Abundant emergent vegetation
- Mudflats for foraging
Primary Diet
- Aquatic plants
- Invertebrates
- Seeds
What is the cinnamon teal nesting behavior?
Cinnamon teal nest on the ground near water, concealed by dense vegetation. The female builds a bowl-shaped nest lined with down and vegetation. Nesting typically begins in April or May with a peak in June. The female lays 5-15 eggs and incubates them for 21-29 days. The young are precocial and can leave the nest shortly after hatching. The female cares for them initially, but the male may participate in brood rearing as well. The young fledge at about 45-50 days old. After breeding, the adults undergo a molt and are flightless for about 3 weeks before migrating in the fall.
Nesting Facts
- Nest on ground near water
- 5-15 eggs per clutch
- Incubation lasts 21-29 days
- Young fledge around 45-50 days
How can you identify cinnamon teal?
The cinnamon teal is a small, compact duck with some distinct plumage characteristics that aid identification. Here are some tips for identifying cinnamon teal:
Male Cinnamon Teal
- Rich cinnamon-red body plumage
- Bright red eyes
- Black back and crown
- Pale blue upperwing coverts form conspicuous patch
- Black bill with pale blue patch near tip
Female Cinnamon Teal
- Mottled brown body plumage
- Pale blue upperwing coverts like male
- Duller facial markings than male
- Similar black and pale blue bill
In flight, both sexes reveal a white belly and pale gray underwings with thin white bars. Their small size, swift flight, and habitat preferences help distinguish them from other ducks.
How many cinnamon teal live in Texas?
Texas lies at the southeastern edge of the cinnamon teal’s breeding range. The vast majority of the population breeds further west and northwest. Population estimates indicate there are approximately:
- 5,000 – 10,000 cinnamon teal in Texas
- 100,000 – 200,000 in the Central Flyway (includes Texas)
- 1 million+ globally
In Texas, breeding bird survey data shows evidence of decline since the 1960s, but cinnamon teal numbers vary annually here depending on habitat conditions. Conservation efforts focused on wetlands in the High Plains continue to benefit cinnamon teal during the breeding season.
Cinnamon Teal Population Estimates
Region | Population Estimate |
---|---|
Texas | 5,000 – 10,000 |
Central Flyway | 100,000 – 200,000 |
Global | 1 million+ |
Why are cinnamon teal declining in Texas?
The cinnamon teal population in Texas has declined since surveys began in the 1960s. The reasons for this decline are not fully understood but likely involve a combination of factors:
Habitat Loss
- Draining of wetlands for agriculture and development
- Transition of native grasslands to farms
- Drought reducing available habitat
Nesting Disturbance
- Nest flooding from water level fluctuations
- Cattle trampling nests in grasslands
- Human recreation disrupting nesting areas
Brood Parasitism
- Redhead ducks parasitizing cinnamon teal nests
- Parasitized nests have lower success rates
Habitat conservation and management focused on important cinnamon teal breeding areas may help stabilize and increase populations in Texas.
How can cinnamon teal be conserved in Texas?
Several conservation actions could benefit cinnamon teal populations in Texas:
Habitat Protection and Management
- Secure wetlands and grasslands in the Panhandle through acquisition or easements
- Manage water levels at key sites to provide optimal spring nesting habitat
- Restore drained wetlands
- Promote agricultural practices that benefit wildlife
Nesting Area Management
- Install nesting islands to reduce parasite and predation losses
- Fence key sites to exclude cattle during nesting season
- Adjust recreation access to limit human disturbance
Monitoring and Research
- Continue long-term population surveys
- Study impacts of parasites and nest predators
- Research habitat needs and distribution
Partnerships with landowners, resource agencies, and conservation groups will provide the best opportunity for integrated cinnamon teal conservation in Texas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cinnamon teal are present in Texas primarily during migration and have declined as a breeding species due to habitat loss and nesting disturbances. However, they can still be found in the Panhandle and other regions during certain times of year. Conservation efforts focused on protecting wetlands, managing nesting areas, and studying populations will be key to stabilizing cinnamon teal numbers in Texas.