BLUEWING TEAL
(Anas discors)
This small puddle duck is very abundant in Wisconsin, they were an important food source for early settlers. Wetland drainage for agriculture and market hunting had an impact on there population. The drought of the 1930,s saw a major impact on there numbers. Currently Wisconsin's breeding population numbers over 150,000 birds. They are concentrated mainly in the southeastern and east-central parts of the state. The breeding population in the pothole region numbers over 2,400,000. The population nationwide is 5.8 million, a 23% decrease from 2000,s 7.4 million. The NAWP goal is 4.7 million. Bluewings quick flight and small size make them a tough target. They are generally the first Ducks to migrate south, with 95% of them on the way to South America. The Drakes leave first than the Hens and young birds follow in separate flocks. The Drake displays a chin lifting ritual to attract the Hen for breeding. The Hen will usually nest in a grassy area no more than a foot high. She will lay 9-11 eggs that will hatch in about 24 days. The Drake will wait nearby and guard the nest. When they hatch the Hen will lead them into heavier cover near water and they will be able to fly in about 6 weeks. One other interesting fact is that it has been found that up to 80% of them carry lice. Drakes average 16" and Weigh an average of 1lb, while Hens average 14" and .8 lbs.Bluewings also have the highest mortality among Ducks, as high as 65%, possibly because of there long over ocean migrations.