the usual diet is animal matter.

Drakes call woh-woh and took-took; the hen's quack is feeble.

Typical Flock Pattern

Blue-Winged Teal

Length—16"
Weight—15 oz.

Hen Eclipse Drake

Drake Hen

Drake Hen

Their small size and twisting turning flight gives the illusion of great speed. The small, compact flocks commonly fly low over the marshes, and often take the hunter by surprise.

They are more vocal than most ducks—their high-pitched peeping and nasal quacking is commonly heard in spring and to a lesser extent in fall.

These teal are among the first ducks to migrate each fall, and one of the last in the spring.

Hen Drake

Cinnamon Teal

Drake Eclipse Drake

Blue-Winged Drake

Drake Hen

Drake Hen

In the Pacific Flyway, cinnamon teal are far more common than blue-wings. The hens look alike and the habits of both species are similar.

The pale blue forewing patch is the best field mark, as drakes are usually in eclipse until January or longer.

Drakes have a whistling peep; hens utter a low quack.

Typical Flock Pattern

Green-Winged Teal

Length—15 in.
Weight—14 oz.

Eclipse Drake Hen

Quite hardy—some birds stay as far north as open water is found.

The smallest and one of the most common of our ducks. Their tiny size gives the impression of great speed, but mallards can fly faster. Their flight is often low, erratic, with the entire flock twisting and turning as one unit.

Hen Drake

Drake

Drake Hen

Drake Hen

They nest as far north as Alaska, and migrate in all four flyways. Early fall drakes are usually still in full eclipse plumage.

Drakes whistle and twitter; hens have a slight quack.

Typical Flock Pattern

Wood Duck

Length—18½ in.
Weight—1½ lbs.

Eclipse Drake Hen

Found in all flyways; most numerous in the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways and fewest in the Central.

They are early migrants; most of them have left the northern States by mid-November.

Frequents wooded streams and ponds; perches in trees. Flies through thick timber with speed and ease and often feeds on acorns, berries, and grapes on the forest floors.

Hen Drake

Drake

Drake Hen

Drake Hen

Flight is swift and direct; flocks are usually small.

In the air, their wings make a rustling, swishing sound. Drakes call hoo-w-ett, often in flight; hens have a cr-r-ek when frightened.