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Monday, May 24, 2021

Advice From Owlie - Cinnamon Teal

Q: Dear Owlie,

A couple months ago you taught us about one of your favorite animals at the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park – the American Coot! Can you please tell us about another animal we might expect to see at the park? I’m looking forward to visiting again soon! Thank you Owlie!

Sincerely,

Wetland Fanatic


A: Dear Wetland Fanatic,

I’d love to! This month let’s talk about a duck called the Cinnamon Teal!

Like Mallard ducks, male Cinnamon Teals look visibly different than female Cinnamon Teals. Males are a cinnamon color with red eyes and a black beak while females have brown colored feathers in order to camouflage with her surroundings- something that helps protect herself and her babies. In fact, females are so protective of their offspring that they may put on something called a “broken wing act” to distract prey from their young. While Cinnamon Teals do not migrate very far, they may migrate to new locations daily. However, they love being close to water so the Chino Creek Wetlands is the perfect spot for them!

See if you can spot a Cinnamon Teal on your next visit to the park and let me know what species you’d like me to talk about next!

Talk to you all soo(HOO)n!

Owlie