Blue-winged Teals

Small flocks of Blue-winged Teals can be identified in flight by their small size, pale
blue speculums and the sharp twists and turns that they execute with precision—they
are renowned for their aviation skills. On the water, males are quickly recognized by
the white "quarter moon" crescent in front of their eyes. Females, however, are so sim-
ilar to female Cinnamon Teals in appearance that even expert birders usually cannot
distinguish between the two species.
Nesting occurs in grassy meadows or along the brushy margins of fields and wetlands.
The marshes of the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary are the most reliable
places to look for Blue-winged Teals, especially from mid-May to mid-August.

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