I am from Iowa and during our hunting season we never see any Blue Winged Teal drakes. Many people say that all of the drakes have migrated south before our season begins and all we are bagging is hens and young. Is this true? -Travis Riley
Hello Travis,
Drake blue-winged teal are definitely present during your hunting season...the only problem is they greatly resemble hens and juveniles during a good portion of the hunting season. Between the breeding season and late-fall to early winter, they are in what is called eclipse plumage.
Most ducks have at least two different body plumages throughout the year – 1) nuptial or breeding and 2) eclipse or basic. The brightly colored breeding plumage is what most people are familiar with...rightfully so, since most ducks display their breeding plumage for the majority of the year.
When drake blue-wings pass through Iowa, they are displaying the more drab eclipse plumage where the distinct white crescent on their head is absent. By taking a closer look at their wings (in hand after harvest), you can tell the difference between drakes and hens. The drake has a distinct white bar (greater coverts) that separates the blue (lesser and middle coverts) and green (speculum) feathers, while the white bar on a hen’s wing is blotched with grey feathers.
Thanks for your great question and have a great fall.
Joel Brice