Species Spotlight: Cinnamon Teal
Alex Levitskiy
This week’s featured species is the Cinnamon Teal (Spatula cyanoptera). There are five subspecies of this duck. One of these subspecies, the Northern Cinnamon Teal, is kept in captivity here in New York. The subspecies closely resemble one another, with their size being the main differentiating feature. The drakes of this species have a chestnut red coloring over the majority of their body and their eyes are a vivid red color. The male Cinnamon Teal also has a striking green speculum, which complements the blue feathers on the top of its wings. Both sexes have an attractive patch of blue feathers, which are most easily seen when they are in flight or preening. The males have orange legs, and the females have slightly more drab legs. Hens closely resemble Blue-Winged Teal, and are an overall brown color. Care should be taken if housing Cinnamon Teal and Blue-Winged Teal together because these species will successfully hybridize.
The Northern Cinnamon Teal presents no challenges to breed in captivity. This is a good species of Teal to begin with, especially before getting into the species that prove to be more challenging to raise. The hens lay nine to eleven eggs which are incubated for roughly twenty-five days. The ducklings are small but easy to care for. They will mature and be ready to breed by one year of age. Cinnamon Teal generally acquire their breeding plumage in late fall or early winter, which is later than most waterfowl.
Cinnamon Teal Drake
Cinnamon Teal Drake
Cinnamon Teal Trio, with the hen in the foreground
(All of the above pictures were taken by Alex Levitskiy)
