Cerceta Alas Verdes

Until recently, the North American and Eurasian forms were considered distinct species. Each year a few males-and doubtless females-of the Eurasian form turn up in North America, giving rise to speculation that somewhere in North America a few of these so-called "Common Teal" may be breeding. A hardy species, they are among the last ducks to reach their winter habitat in fall and the first to depart in spring. Flocks of Green-winged Teal fly swiftly, executing sharp turns in unison like flocks of shorebirds. When the flock settles on water, the birds often separate into small groups consisting of one female courted by several males. Eventually the female chooses a mate and the chosen male wards off other suitors. In spring the pair returns to the previous breeding place of the female, not that of the male.