Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
B7, B29, B30, B31,B40, B94, B97, B128.w1, B128.w2).
D1, D8

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Dabbling Ducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Dabbling Ducks are generally hardy, easy to maintain and easy to breed. Shelter may be required by some of the smaller species in winter. They should be provided with cover (including marginal pond cover) and loafing areas as well as water. A pen which is 50% water is suggested. The water may be shallow (i.e. no more than two feet deep is required), and muddy areas for dabbling in are also appreciated. These ducks are generally good in mixed collections, although the smaller and quieter species may be bullied. Territorial disputes between ducks of the same species may be avoided by keeping only one pair of each species in an enclosure, unless the area is very large. For a single pair of ducks a pen are of 50 to 100 square metres, depending on the size of duck, should be provided.
• A diet based on wheat and pellets is suggested, with maintenance pellets changed to breeders pellets for the breeding season. Bread and greenfood are also appreciated. Grit should always be available, with soluble grit (e.g. oystershell grit) as a calcium source when breeding.
• Most species are ground nesters and both close ground cover and ground level nest boxes should be provided. Hand-rearing is generally preferred, as these ducks are generally poor parents in captive conditions, particularly in enclosures shared with other waterfowl. These ducks are prone to hybridization, particularly with closely related species, which should be kept apart from one another.

(B7, B29, B30, B40, B94, B128.w1, D1)

Species-specific information:

• Blue-winged teal are generally hardy, although winter shelter may be required in cold climates. They are suitable for mixed collections. Sunny grass-covered areas with shallow muddy water and good marginal vegetation are suggested. Feed as other dabbling ducks: pellets, grain, greenfood, bread.
• These ducks may breed freely. They usually nest concealed in grass or other low vegetation but may also use ground-level nest boxes. Eggs normally laid April to May (B29), from mid-May (B31), May to June (B108). N.B. the sitting duck and eggs are vulnerable to predatory mammals, crows etc. and even hedgehogs, therefore broody or artificial incubation suggested. They may lay a second or third clutch if the eggs are removed. Ducklings may be reared as other Anas species, and are not difficult after the first few days.
• Hybridises readily with Anas cyanoptera - Cinnamon teal, Anas querquedula - Garganey, , and should not be kept in same enclosure as these ducks. Hybrids also reported with Aythya americana - Redhead, Anas castanea - Chestnut teal, , Anas clypeata - Northern shoveler, ,  Anas platyrhynchos - Mallard, and Wigeons.

(B7, B29, B30, B31, B40, B94, B97, B128.w2).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: H 8.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Wings: Primaries and their coverts black-brown, rest of coverts grey-blue with broad white tips to greater coverts, secondaries metallic green.

Eclipse: similar to female, but darker crown, more streaking on head, retains wing pattern.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Broods sometimes merge. Able to migrate separate from parent.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Across North America from southern Alaska to Newfoundland and south to central USA.

Migrates to winter further south, in North America from California to North Carolina southward, central America, south America as far as northern Chile and Argentina. Common winter visitor to West Indies, Bermuda.

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Habitat

Winters on large areas shallow water including marshes and flooded rice fields, brackish and saline waterbodies and tropical mangrove swamps.

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Abundant: about five million breeding birds (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade