Blue-winged Teal
Female (top) and male (bottom)
Where to Look
- Coastlines
- Lagoons on Larger Islands
Similar Galapagos Species
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
(Anas bahamensis)
Identification
Both juvenile and adult birds are distinguished from all developmental stages of Yellow-crowned Night-heron by smaller size, shorter stance, thinner bill and smaller, yelow eyes.
Description
Adults are overall dark grey and have variable brown and white streaking on their breast (completely absent in some birds). They have bright yellow eyes, often with a red outer iris. Sexes similar. Legs are yelowish to orange-black. Juveniles resemble brownish, boldly marked adults with buff markings on their upperparts, white and brown streaks on their breasts and greenish legs.
Galapagos Distribution
Found throughout the entire archipelego, usually along shorelines or lagoons.
Global Distribution
Widespread across most of South America, sub-Saharan Africa, SW Asia, India, SE Asia and Oceania.
Status in the Galapagos
Common endemic resident.