It can be baffling to a birding novice how
someone could possibly identify
a small duck sitting on a pond while driving by on
the highway. The secret is
practice, knowing behaviors, practice, knowing a
few "field marks" and, more practice!
Take a look at these Green-winged Teal.
We can not see the green patch on the wings that
give this duck its name!
What identifying marks would you use ("field
marks") to tell you these are Green-winged
Teal?
Not everyone notices the same field marks.
The Green-winged Teal is a good example of how two
birders can recognize the same bird
but from totally different characteristics. I key
first on small size, then the white stripe down
the grey shoulder of the drake. Another birder
might key on the cream/black/white pattern
on the drake's tail, then check the head color. I
like the white stripe for its uniqueness.
The Blue-winged Teal drake also has a white
stripe--more of a crescent--on its face.
(Someday,
I hope, a Blue-winged Teal will pose a little
closer!)
If the field marks someone else uses do not work
for you--choose your own!
It is best to study your bird guide at home and
decide what field marks tell YOU
this can only be a Green-winged Teal.
