La Sarcelle d'hiver dans le Lac Saint-Pierre

The Winter Teal

The Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)

The Green-winged Teal is a small migratory duck, characterized by marked sexual dimorphism and great adaptability to wetlands. It frequents various aquatic habitats throughout the year, thus ensuring the continuity of its populations despite seasonal variations.

Sexual dimorphism

Mâles :En période nuptiale, les mâles arborent un plumage éclatant avec une tête aux reflets métalliques, une ligne blanche sur l’épaule, une poitrine châtain et des flancs gris.
En dehors de cette période, ils revêtent un plumage d’éclipse, plus terne et ressemblant davantage à celui des femelles.
Femelles :Les femelles présentent un plumage brunâtre cryptique, leur assurant un excellent camouflage pendant la nidification.
Elles se distinguent par des motifs de brun clair et sombre, un visage pâle et une bande sombre traversant l’œil.

Size and wingspan

Size: Approximately 34-38cm long.
Wingspan: Between 53 and 59 cm for both sexes.
Weight: Between 250 and 400 grams, with males often slightly heavier.

Beak and legs

Beak: Males generally have a dark gray or black beak.
Females’ beaks are more brownish or grayish, sometimes with lighter patterns.
Legs: Both sexes have dark gray to dark brown, webbed legs, essential for swimming.

Social behavior

The Green-winged Teal is a sociable species, often seen in small groups while hunting.
During migration and wintering periods, larger groups may form, sometimes with the establishment of a hierarchy influencing access to food and resting sites.
During the breeding season, it forms monogamous pairs, with the males performing elaborate courtship displays.

Voice

Males: Give a short, clear, melodious call (often described as “crick-crick” or “trrrt-trrrt”) used during courtship displays.
Females: Produce a softer “quack,” used to communicate with ducklings and signal an alarm in case of danger.

Breeding Habitat

Inland Wetlands: Green-winged teals nest in shallow marshes, ponds, lakes, and rivers, where dense vegetation provides camouflage and protection.
Wet Meadows and Peatlands: These environments also offer secure nesting sites and an abundance of prey.

migration habitat

Mixed Wetlands: During migrations, they exploit various inland water bodies such as marshes, lakes, reservoirs, rivers and estuaries for feeding and resting.

wintering habitat

Coastal and Inland Wetlands: In winter, green-winged teals move to areas where the water remains ice-free, frequenting estuaries, salt marshes, coastal lagoons, as well as inland bodies of water.
Rice Paddies and Flooded Farmland: These habitats provide an abundance of seeds, aquatic plants and invertebrates essential for their diet.

habitat features

Shallow Waters: Allows the Green-winged Teal to wade and search for food easily.
Abundant Vegetation: Provides camouflage, protection from predators, and nesting materials.
Food Availability: The presence of diverse food sources (seeds, aquatic plants, insects, invertebrates) is crucial for the survival of the species.

Adaptation to the Habitat

Its ability to adapt to various types of wetlands, whether wooded or open, allows it to maintain stable populations despite climatic and seasonal variations.
Sexual dimorphism, with males exhibiting spectacular courtship displays, ensures efficient reproduction and the survival of young.

Les oiseaux du lac st-pierre

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hérons