Cinnamon Teal

Anas cyanoptera

The Cinnamon Teal is an easily recognized dabbling duck of the western United States, with the male having rich cinnamon hues on it's body and head.  They are closely related to the Blue-winged Teal, and will sometimes hybridize with them.  They have more spatulate bills than their close cousins, however, although not as extreme as the Northern Shoveler's bill. 

Habitat: Prefers shallow marshes and ponds in open country during breeding season.  Can be found in nearly any shallow-water aquatic habitat during migration and in winter, including salt-water habitats.

Diet: Primarily feeds on the seeds of sedges, grasses, smartweeds, and aquatic plants.  Will also feed on other plant material, insects, small crustaceans, and small mollusks.

Behavior: A dabbling duck, feeding by partially submerging its head and straining food items from the water.  They will also sometimes feed on land adjacent to water.

Nesting: April through June

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Weak whistling by the male, a typical quack from the female. 

Migration: Summers throughout the western United States.  Winters along the California coast, locally in the extreme Southwest, Mexico, and Central America.

Similar Species: Males distinctive, but females are extremely similar to female Blue-winged Teal.

Conservation Status: Has undoubtedly declined from historic numbers due to loss of wetland habitat.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Cinnamon Teal 

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Cinnamon Teal"

3) eNature.com: Cinnamon Teal

Photo Information: June 19th, 2008 - Klamath Wildlife Refuge, California - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Cinnamon Teal photos.