Cinnamon Teal
Spatula cyanoptera
About This Species
Look for this small, richly cinnamon-coloured duck dabbling in shallow, vegetated wetlands, marshes, and irrigation ponds across the western Americas, often in mixed flocks with other dabbling ducks. Males in breeding plumage show a striking deep rust body and red eye, making spring the easiest season to identify them, while females are mottled brown and less conspicuous. Watch for tipping-up feeding behaviour in shallow water at the margins of ponds, especially early morning.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Observe from at least 20-30 metres, ideally from a blind, vehicle, or established trail, since dabbling ducks flush easily from open water and disturbance can interrupt feeding and pair formation.
- Waterfowl protection law differs by country across its range spanning North and South America, including hunting seasons and protected-area rules, so check local regulations before approaching.
- Avoid pushing birds off nests or broods, which are typically well hidden in shoreline vegetation.
LCAvesAnseriformesAnatidae
Seasonal Activity
1,096,625 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Anseriformes
- Family
- Anatidae
Photo
(c) cjackson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by cjackson
CC-BY-NC-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.