Identifying a female green wing teal, also known as a hen, can be tricky for amateur birders. The green wing teal is a small dabbling duck found in wetlands across North America. While the male (called a drake) has colorful plumage, the female is more subdued in appearance. However, with some tips on key identification points, both visual and behavioral, you can reliably distinguish a green wing teal hen.
Distinctive Head Shape
The overall head shape of a green wing teal hen is quite distinctive. Viewed from the side, the head has a rounded, chicken-like appearance. The crown appears flattened and the nape of the neck is short. This gives the head a somewhat stubby look compared to other ducks. When swimming, the hen often holds her head low in the water. When relaxed, the bill points diagonally upward. This posture contrasts sharply with the horizontal carriage of a mallard hen’s head and bill.
Color Patterns
While less flashy than the drake, the hen’s plumage does contain some key identifying features. The overall coloration is a mottled brown, providing good camouflage. The crown and eyestripe are dark brown. The cheeks and throat are lighter buff brown. The breast is patterned with fine dark vermiculations on a pale brown background. The flanks feature vertical barring of buff and brown. The speculum, or wing patch, is iridescent green bordered by buff bars. This is a more muted version of the drake’s bright green and white speculum. The bill is grayish black and the legs and feet are yellowish orange.
Size and Shape
Green wing teal are diminutive ducks. A hen is approximately 14 inches in length with a wingspan around 23 inches. The body is plump and rounded compared to other streamlined ducks. When at rest on the water, the tail may be held erect. In flight, the wings produce rapid beats interspersed with short periods of gliding. The swift, darting flight pattern gives teal the nickname “pintail with afterburners.”
Behavioral Clues
Behavior can provide additional confirmation when identifying a female green wing teal. As dabbling ducks, teal feed mainly at the water’s surface rather than diving or tipping up. In flight, flocks formdiagonal lines or scattered U or V shapes. Teal flushed from hiding will produce a distinctive rattling alarm call. During courtship, the male performs an animated “burp” display. The hen often gives a loud “knc” call in response. Teal prefer small, shallow wetlands over larger bodies of water. Look for them dabbling in flooded fields, marshy areas, or pond edges with good cover.
Similar Species
When seen Well, a green wing teal hen is unlikely to be confused with other duck species. However, female cinnamon teal and blue wing teal could potentially cause identification issues. All three are small dabbling ducks. Focusing on the head shape, speculum color, and fine spotting on the breast should distinguish a green wing. Female mallards share the green speculum but are much larger with a more distinct facial stripe. The mottled brown plumage of hen teal bears some resemblance to female American wigeon and Northern shoveler. But the larger size and unique bill shapes of those species are quite different from a green wing teal.
Best Identification Tips
Here are some key points for confidently identifying a female green wing teal in the field:
- Rounded, chicken-like head shape
- Green and buff speculum on the wing
- Fine brown vermiculations on pale breast
- Swift, darting flight pattern
- Distinctive “knc” call
- Dabbling behavior at water’s edge
Where to See Green Wing Teal Hens
Female green wing teal can be observed from spring through fall throughout much of North America. Here are some prime spots for finding hens during key seasons:
- Prairie Potholes Region (Great Plains) – Breeding/nesting from April-July
- Central Valley California – Wintering from October-March
- Coastal marshes of Louisiana/Texas – Wintering from September-March
- Great Salt Lake, Utah – Staging during migration in March and October
Interesting Facts about Green Wing Teal Hens
- The hen builds the nest alone, lining it with soft down feathers plucked from her breast. She will lay 6-16 cream-colored eggs.
- Like other dabbling ducks, teal hens imprint on the first moving object they see as hatchlings. This is often the mother teal.
- Hens enter breeding condition much later than drakes. They develop most secondary sex characteristics just before laying eggs.
- Hen teal have high site fidelity. They often return to nest within 150 yards of where they hatched.
- The hen alone cares for the ducklings. Ducklings can feed themselves immediately after hatching.
- Teal ducklings mature rapidly, growing flight feathers by 6 weeks. They can fly by age 7 weeks.
Conclusion
Identifying the female green wing teal requires paying close attention to subtle details of plumage, head shape, size and behavior. With practice observing teal hens in the field, you will soon be able to distinguish them from other similar duck species. Knowing the habitats and seasons when green wing teal occur aids identification. Remember to listen for the distinctive alarm call and courtship sounds. Using this knowledge, you will be on your way to confidently finding and identifying green wing teal hens.