Birds diurnal

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

A vibrant spark of the western wetlands, the Cinnamon Teal is famous for the male's stunning ruddy plumage and piercing red eyes. These agile dabblers are a prized find for any backyard bird enthusiast with a passion for waterfowl.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 14–17 inches (36–43 cm); Wingspan: 24–25 inches (61–64 cm); Weight: 10–18 oz (280–500 g)

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Colors

Males are a deep, saturated cinnamon-red across the head and body with a black back and bright red eyes. Females are a mottled, patterned brown with a distinctive dark eye-line. Both sexes feature large sky-blue patches on the forewing.

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Key Features

Rich cinnamon-red body and head on breeding males
Sky-blue wing patches visible in flight
Vivid red iris (males)
Long, dark, spatula-shaped bill

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM

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Season March-August (North America)

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Diet A mix of aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They use their specialized bills to filter seeds from the mud and pluck insects, snails, and zooplankton from the water's surface.

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Habitat Shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, alkaline ponds, and suburban lakes with plenty of emergent vegetation like bulrushes and cattails.

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Behavior

Cinnamon Teals are classic dabbling ducks, meaning they feed by tipping their bodies head-first into shallow water rather than diving completely submerged. They are frequently observed in pairs or small family groups, gracefully navigating through dense reeds and floating vegetation. Unlike many larger waterfowl that prefer the center of open lakes, these teals are specialists of the 'edge zone,' favoring the safety and nutrient density of shallow marsh perimeters.

While they are generally more secretive than Mallards, they are social with other small ducks like Blue-winged and Green-winged Teals. One of their most interesting behavioral traits is their early migration; they are often among the first ducks to head south in late summer, sometimes departing their breeding grounds as early as August. They are fast fliers, capable of quick, erratic maneuvers when startled from the water.

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Camera Tips

To capture high-quality footage of Cinnamon Teals, camera placement is critical. Position your camera just 6 to 12 inches above the waterline. These ducks are small and spend their time close to the surface, so a high-angle shot will lose the intimacy of their behavior. Use a ground-stake or mount your camera to a half-submerged log near a muddy bank where you see footprints or feathers. Focus your lens on 'micro-habitats'—the small openings in the reeds where they emerge to sun themselves or preen.

Because the Cinnamon Teal is relatively shy, use a camera with a fast trigger speed (0.3 seconds or less) and a silent shutter. Setting your device to 'Burst Mode' is highly recommended. The male’s most iconic shots often occur during 'comfort movements,' such as the wing-stretch or the head-shake, which happen in a split second. If your camera supports 4K video, use it; the fine detail of their iridescent wing feathers and the unique red iris of the male are spectacular when viewed in high definition.

Lighting can make or break your capture of this species. The male's namesake color can appear muddy or dark brown in deep shade or harsh midday sun. Aim for the 'golden hour'—the first two hours of light after sunrise or the last two before sunset. Position your camera so the sun is behind it (facing North or South is usually safest to avoid lens flare) to ensure the reddish-orange plumage is fully illuminated. In a backyard setting, avoid using artificial lures like bread; instead, maintain a shallow, vegetated pond edge which will naturally attract them during their migration windows.

During the spring breeding season (March through May), look for courtship displays. If you notice a pair frequenting a specific patch of water, leave your camera in place for several days. They are creatures of habit and will often return to the same 'loafing log' or feeding corner every morning. Check your settings to ensure your PIR sensor sensitivity is set to 'High,' as their small body mass may not always trigger lower-sensitivity sensors from a distance.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Cinnamon Teal.

Blue-winged Teal

Males have a grey head with a white facial crescent; females have a smaller bill and more distinct face patterns.

Northern Shoveler

Much larger with a massive, spoon-shaped bill; males have a green head and white chest.

Green-winged Teal

Smaller with a vertical white stripe on the shoulder and no blue on the wings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cinnamon Teal are primarily diurnal and are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. This is when they are most likely to be seen foraging in shallow water or performing courtship displays.

The best way to attract them is to provide a shallow pond with plenty of native aquatic vegetation and 'wild' edges. Unlike many ducks, they prefer privacy and cover provided by tall grasses and reeds over open, manicured lawns.

Their diet consists of seeds and stems from aquatic plants like pondweeds, as well as small invertebrates including snails, water beetles, and dragonfly larvae which they filter from the shallows.

They are common in suburban areas of the western United States, provided there are healthy wetlands or ponds nearby. They are more likely to visit suburban settings during their spring and fall migration periods.

While both have blue wing patches, the male Cinnamon Teal is almost entirely reddish-brown, whereas the male Blue-winged Teal has a grey head with a white crescent. Females are very similar, but Cinnamon Teals generally have a longer, more expansive bill.

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