Species-Specific Management (SSM)

Blue-Winged Teal

The blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, and the cinnamon teal are species common to the continental United States. However, in the east only the blue-winged teal is a common visitor during the spring breeding season. The green-winged teal, a rare sight, is present usually as a migrant and occasionally as a winter resident. These two species tend to have similar management plans. The cinnamon teal, found in the western United States, is not discussed here. Teals are noted by hunters as an exceptional species. They are admired for the hunt as well as their edibility. Birdwatchers enjoy the sight of this small but colorful species. In addition, the teal is an integral part of the wetland ecosystem. To increase the presence of this species and benefits from it, the manager must focus his or her efforts on providing the proper cover, food source, and nesting needs.

COVER

The most important aspect of cover is water. If a permanent water body (ranging from a pothole to a lake) is not present on your land, then constructing a small pond is recommended. Without still water, teals will not be present.

1. Water levels must be maintained or the birds will leave.
2. The pond must also provide a variety of depths. Shallow areas are necessary for feeding, courting, and many other activities.
3. Vegetative cover in and around the pond is necessary. V
4. egetation of different types that emerges from shallow water is of utmost importance.
5. Vegetation that should be planted includes:
   • cattails, bulrushes, and reeds in and around the water
   • grasses and sedges beyond the water's edge
6. Provide a semi-private location for the pond.
7. Be sure that the quantity of cover is such that the birds are sheltered from weather and predators.
8. When designing or improving your water source, provide sandbars and openings for courtship and mating.
9. Construct a blind or "hide" from which these birds may be watched.

FOOD SOURCE

1. Teals are dabbling ducks, which thrive on aquatic vegetation. Fortunately many plants useful as cover can double as food sources for the ducks.
2. The following is a list of recommended foods near the water source: sedges, niads, duckweed, reeds.
3. Insects and mollusks are also important.
4. Non-aquatic vegetation that can be used includes grains, grasses, vegetation with fleshy fruits, and plants bearing nuts.

NEST COVER

1. Teals generally nest 20-220 yards from open water. Sedges and grasses figure into the nesting scheme of this duck.
2. Cover density should be thick enough for nest protection but should allow for sunlight.
3. Old fields and hayfields bordering water are a popular choice.
4. If grazers are present, only moderate grazing should be allowed.
5. If not, mowing should be delayed until at least mid-July. Do not mow vegetation too low; ducks should still have protective cover.
6. Burning must be avoided in nest areas.
7. Maintain nest areas to insure growth of your teal population.
8. Control predators such as skunks, weasels, and raccoons.
9. Keep human disturbance to a minimum, especially during the breeding/nesting seasons.
10. Keep a record of your observations of teal. Compare your observations with neighbors. Many small ponds in an area may be needed to support the needs of a few families of these birds.

Contributions by Kerri Schmidt and Stephanie R. Downer (1993) Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321

This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.