Bird Guide

Green-winged Teal vs Pacific Black Duck

Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

Large342 gWetland

The Eurasian teal is one of the smallest extant dabbling ducks at 34–43 cm (13–17 in) length and with an average weight of 360 g (13 oz) in drake (males) and 340 g (12 oz) in hens (females). The wings are 17.5–20.4 cm (6.9–8.0 in) long, yielding a wingspan of 53–59 cm (21–23 in). The bill measures 3.2–4 cm (1.3–1.6 in) in length, and the tarsus 2.8–3.4 cm (1.1–1.3 in). From a distance, the drakes in breeding plumage appear grey, with a dark head, a yellowish behind, and a white stripe running along the flanks.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Green-winged Teal
Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Call · Miniac-Morvan, Ille-et-Vilaine, Bretagne, France · CC0
Photo: Hobbyfotowiki · CC0
Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)

Pacific Black Duck

Anas superciliosa

Large883 gWetland

This sociable duck is found in a variety of wetland habitats, and its nesting habits are much like those of the mallard, which is encroaching on its range in New Zealand. It feeds by upending, like other Anas ducks. It has a dark body, and a paler head with a dark crown and facial stripes. In flight, it shows a green speculum and pale underwing. All plumages are similar. The size range is 54–61 cm (21–24 in); males tend to be larger than females, and some island forms are smaller and darker than the main populations.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Stephen Barrell · CC BY 2.0

Where you might meet both

Learn this pair in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Green-winged Teal and Pacific Black Duck.