The Blue-Winged Teal is a small dabbling duck known for its distinctive blue wing patch and striking facial markings. Males have a chestnut-brown head with a white crescent in front of the eye, while females are mottled brown and more camouflaged. They typically inhabit shallow wetlands, marshes, and ponds across North America during the breeding season. These ducks are migratory, traveling south to Central America and South America for the winter. They primarily feed on seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates, often foraging by tipping forward in the water. Their population is generally stable, making them a common sight in suitable habitats.