Cinnamon Teal
Spatula cyanoptera
Alternate names: Red teal, Teal
- Length
- 15.5 in
- Weight
- 13 oz
Overview
The cinnamon teal is a striking small dabbling duck, recognized by hunters for the vibrant reddish-brown plumage of the male. Males display a rich cinnamon color across their body with a blue patch on their forewings, while females resemble a more muted brown, similar to other teal species. Known for their swift and low flight, they prefer shallow marshes and ponds. Their colorful appearance, especially the males, makes them easier to identify during hunting season compared to other teal species.
Identification
Cinnamon-red body (male), blue wing patch, small size, swift flight, red eyes (male), shallow marsh habitat
Cinnamon teal are small dabbling ducks found mainly in the western U.S., favoring shallow wetlands, marshes, and flooded edges. They fly low and fast with quick, fluttering wingbeats and often mix with other teal in tight flocks. Their compact build and flashing powder blue shoulder patch help with ID on the wing. Hunters may confuse them with blue-winged or green-winged teal, but their structure and male coloring set them apart.
Drake
Males have a rich reddish-brown body with a darker back and red eyes. In flight or on the water, look for the bold cinnamon color and powder blue shoulder with green trailing edge. No other duck shows that deep red body with blue wing.
Hen
Females are mottled tan with a dark eye-line and plainer face than blue-winged teal hens. Their body is warm brown overall, and they also show a pale blue wing patch in flight. Compared to female shovelers or gadwall, they’re smaller, with a shorter neck and a softer contrast.
Range
Related Species
In the Field
Photo: Tom Koerner/U.S. Fish and Widllife 
Photo: Scott Somershoe/USFWS
