The male Blue-Winged Teal was photographed at the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge in Bell City, Louisiana

The male Blue-Winged Teal was photographed at the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge in Bell City, Louisiana

The female Blue-Winged Teal. Both the male and female were photographed at the same time and place.

The female Blue-Winged Teal. Both the male and female were photographed at the same time and place.

Select this link to see photos or a slideshow of the Blue Winged Teal

The male Blue-Winged Teal is mottled brown having a dark head with a white facial crescent, and a chalky blue patch on the forewing when it can be seen. The female Blue-Winged Teal is mottled brown with a chalky blue patch on the forewing when it can be seen. It has a range of Canada to the southern United States. It has a habitat in shallow fresh ponds and marshes. It feeds mainly on seeds and plant material. It seldom upends and feeds away from the water. It forages in shallow water, gleaning items from the surface or swimming forward with head partly submerged.