Texas is home to a diverse array of teal species that can be found across the state. In the opening paragraphs, I will provide a quick overview of the different types of teal found in Texas before diving into more detail in the sections below.
Types of Teal in Texas
The two main species of teal found in Texas are:
- Blue-winged Teal
- Cinnamon Teal
Two less common teal species also occur in Texas, though more rarely:
- Green-winged Teal
- Red Teal
Below we will explore the key identification features, breeding biology, habitat preferences and conservation status of each of these teal species found in the Lone Star State.
Blue-winged Teal
The blue-winged teal (Spatula discors) is the most widespread and abundant teal species found in Texas. These small dabbling ducks have slate-gray bodies with a white facial crescent stretching from the eyes to the back of the head. As their name suggests, the wings are iridescent blue with a green speculum. Males have a white-bordered dark patch on their face during breeding season.
Blue-winged teal breed from Central Texas northward, with highest densities in the prairie pothole region of the Texas Panhandle. They prefer shallow wetlands interspersed within grasslands. Their diet consists mainly of seeds of aquatic plants, grasses and sedges. Blue-winged teal migrate through Texas in spring and fall, traveling between breeding grounds in the Great Plains and wintering areas in Mexico and along the Gulf Coast.
Key Facts
- Length: 14-17 in
- Wingspan: 23-27 in
- Weight: 7-14 oz
- Population in Texas: ~200,000
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
Cinnamon Teal
The cinnamon teal (Spatula cyanoptera) is a stunning duck named for the rich rufous-cinnamon color of the male’s plumage. The females are mottled brown. Their breeding range extends from New Mexico and West Texas westward. Cinnamon teal inhabit shallow freshwater marshes and ponds. They dabble in the water to feed on aquatic invertebrates, seeds and aquatic vegetation.
Most cinnamon teal migrate out of Texas after breeding, heading to wintering areas in Mexico. However, a small population winters along the Texas Gulf Coast. Cinnamon teal prefer habitats with dense emergent vegetation for nesting sites. The female builds the nest and incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby to guard the territory.
Key Facts
- Length: 14-18 in
- Wingspan: 20-24 in
- Weight: 10-24 oz
- Population in Texas: ~20,000
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
Green-winged Teal
The green-winged teal (Anas crecca) is an uncommon migrant and winter visitor in Texas. They are the smallest North American dabbling duck. Males have a chestnut head with a green ear patch, whereas females are mottled brown. As their name suggests, their wings are gray with an iridescent green speculum. This species breeds farther north and migrates through Texas in spring and fall to reach wintering grounds along the Gulf Coast and farther south.
During winter and migration, green-winged teal frequent marshes, ponds and flooded agricultural fields. They forage on seeds, aquatic plants and invertebrates. Conservation programs that protect wetland habitats along their migration routes are important for green-winged teal population health.
Key Facts
- Length: 14-17 in
- Wingspan: 20-24 in
- Weight: 7-14 oz
- Population in Texas: Uncommon seasonal migrant
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
Red Teal
The red teal (Anas erythrorhyncha) is an extremely rare visitor to Texas. This duck inhabits waterways in Central and South America, but is occasionally found in the U.S. in winter. Their breeding range extends south of Texas. Red teal have a maroon/chestnut body and a blue-gray head. Males have a bright red bill and yellow eyes. Females are duller overall. There are only a handful of documented sightings of red teal in Texas over the last few decades.
Key Facts
- Length: 13-15 in
- Wingspan: 20-23 in
- Weight: 7-13 oz
- Population in Texas: Extremely rare
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
Geographic Distribution in Texas
The various teal species have different distributions across Texas depending on their habitat preferences and migratory patterns. Below is a table summarizing where each teal species is most likely to be found in the state:
| Species | Region | Key Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Blue-winged Teal | Statewide except western edge; highest densities in Panhandle | Playa lakes in Panhandle, Anahuac NWR, Upper Laguna Madre |
| Cinnamon Teal | West Texas | Muleshoe NWR |
| Green-winged Teal | Coastal migration route | Anahuac NWR, Coastal Bend |
| Red Teal | Extremely rare statewide | Occasional sightings on Gulf Coast |
Ideal Habitat
Although the different teal species have varied habitat preferences, some components of good teal habitat include:
- Shallow, open water areas for feeding – Teal dabble in shallow water to reach food
- Emergent aquatic vegetation – Provides cover and nesting sites
- Mudflats or shorelines – For rests and feeding during migration
- Wetland complexes – Larger wetlands with diverse zones of open water, vegetation, etc.
- Adjacent uplands – Nesting areas for some species
Maintenance of wetland habitat diversity and water quality is important for healthy teal populations across Texas.
Breeding and Nesting
The breeding season for teal in Texas generally runs from April through July. Nesting commonly occurs near water, but some species nest in adjacent grasslands. Females typically lay 6-16 eggs in a down-lined nest built on the ground or in vegetation. Incubation lasts 21-30 days. Ducklings fledge within 40-60 days. Males leave after mating and do not assist with rearing young.
Threats to teal nesting success include flooding, predation and agricultural practices. Habitat loss has also reduced nesting areas. Conservation efforts to protect wetland and grassland nesting habitat help sustain breeding populations.
Key Nesting Factors
- Nesting cover – Dense vegetation to conceal nests
- Water proximity – For foraging and predator avoidance
- Upland nesting – Some species nest in grasslands near water
- Undisturbed habitat – Minimal human activity near nests
Diet and Feeding Habits
Teal are omnivorous, feeding on a combination of animal and plant material. Their diet includes:
- Seeds & vegetation – Pondweeds, wigeon grass, sedge/grass seeds
- Aquatic invertebrates – Insect larvae, mollusks, crustaceans
- Terrestrial invertebrates – Beetles, flies, lepidopterans
- Some small vertebrates – Frogs, fish, salamanders
Teal forage mainly by dabbling or tipping forward to feed underwater. They also forage by picking food items off the water’s surface. Maintaining productive wetland habitats with abundant food resources is key to supporting teal populations.
Dabbling Feeding Method
- Up-end to submerge head and neck
- Feet kick to propel forward
- Bill filters food underwater
- Repeated rapid dabbling motions
- Allows feeding in shallow water
Migration Patterns
Most teal species migrate through or winter in Texas. They follow well-established flyways between northern breeding areas and southern wintering grounds:
- Central Flyway – Follows spine of Rocky Mountains; used by blue-winged teal
- Mississippi Flyway – Follows Mississippi River valley; used by blue-winged and green-winged teal
- Pacific Flyway – Along Pacific coast; used by cinnamon teal
Protecting wetland stopover habitats along these flyways is crucial for migrating teal to rest and feed. Breeding ground conservation also supports productive populations. Major threats during migration include habitat loss and hunting pressures.
Spring Migration
- March – April
- Northward to breeding grounds
- Males precede females by 1-2 weeks
- Staging in wetland habitats along flyways
Fall Migration
- September – November
- Southward to wintering areas
- Females and juveniles first, males follow
- Wintering along Gulf Coast and farther south
Threats and Conservation
Some key threats facing Texas teal populations include:
- Wetland habitat loss – Draining for development or agriculture
- Drought – Can dry up breeding and migratory wetland areas
- Pollution – Degrades water quality in wetland ecosystems
- Hunting – Legal harvest must be balanced with conservation
- Climate change – Long-term alterations to habitat
Conservation initiatives aimed at protecting wetlands, maintaining sufficient water flows, enforcing hunting regulations, and preserving tracts of habitat along flyways can help safeguard teal populations. For example, federal conservation programs like the Wetlands Reserve Program have conserved over 200,000 acres of wetlands in Texas.
Organizations Supporting Teal Conservation
- Ducks Unlimited – Wetland protection and restoration
- Texas Audubon – Habitat initiatives across Texas
- Playa Lakes Joint Venture – Conservation of playa lakes in the Panhandle
- US Fish & Wildlife Service – National Wildlife Refuges and wetland easements
Conclusion
In summary, Texas provides important habitat for several teal species including blue-winged, cinnamon, and green-winged teal. Although their breeding ranges and habitat preferences vary, all teal rely on abundant wetland ecosystems. Conservation of diverse wetland and grassland habitats across Texas, particularly along migratory flyways, is crucial for maintaining healthy teal populations. Careful regulation of hunting and proactive habitat management efforts will aid in the continued success of these stunning, small ducks.
