Birdorable Cinnamon Teal

Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by the vibrant colors and graceful movements of birds during a leisurely stroll or while exploring the great outdoors? If so, there’s one bird in particular that might just steal your heart – the Cinnamon Teal. This small, but unmistakably striking dabbling duck, is a visual treat, especially for bird enthusiasts and those of us who find solace in the tranquility of nature.

Predominantly found in the western parts of North and South America, the Cinnamon Teal is perfectly adapted to a life predominantly on water. It thrives in shallow freshwater environments like marshes, ponds, and lakes where the vegetation is lush and abundant. When it comes to migration, the Cinnamon Teal exhibits a somewhat modest approach compared to other migratory birds that undertake vast journeys across continents. The northern populations of this species migrate southward to enjoy the warmer climates of Mexico and Central America during the winter months. Meanwhile, the southern populations might only move short distances to locate the ideal wintering habitat.

Cinnamon Teal photo

Cinnamon Teal by Channel City Camera Club (CC BY 2.0 DEED)

The mating season marks a special time in the life of the Cinnamon Teal. Males court females with a variety of displays and calls in a bid to win their affection. Once a pair is bonded, the female embarks on the critical task of nest-building. Carefully selecting a spot on the ground hidden among dense vegetation near water, she lays her clutch of 8 to 12 eggs. This secluded nesting site not only serves as a cozy cradle for the eggs but also shields them from potential predators. Upon hatching, the ducklings are immediately ready to face the world, precocial and eager to follow their mother to water, embarking on their first adventure in life.

For birdwatchers and nature lovers, the Cinnamon Teal is a delightful bird to observe. Its distinct coloration and behavior make it a favorite among birding enthusiasts. Whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or someone who just enjoys the splendor of nature, witnessing a Cinnamon Teal glide across the water reminds us of the pure delight birds add to our lives. So, next time you’re near a wetland or a marsh, keep an eye out for the Cinnamon Teal. Who knows? You might just have one of those unforgettable encounters that remind you why you fell in love with nature in the first place. Have you ever experienced such a moment?

Photo of Cinnamon Teal at Sweetwater Wetlands in Tucson, Arizona

Cinnamon Teal at Sweetwater Wetlands in Tucson, Arizona, by Katja Schulz (CC BY 2.0 DEED)

Cute Cinnamon Teal Gifts

2022 Bonanza Bird #2

Introducing the Ruddy Shelduck: A Colorful Addition to Birdorable

Birdorable Ruddy Shelduck

The Ruddy Shelduck, a striking and beautiful species of waterfowl, joins our Birdorable collection today. This addition marks a significant milestone as it becomes the 50th species in our duck, goose, and swan family.

The Ruddy Shelduck is known for its large size and distinctive appearance. It boasts an impressive range, with a growing population across much of Asia. These ducks are easily recognizable by their overall orange-brown (ruddy) body plumage, which is slightly lighter on the head. In flight, their black flight feathers and white coverts create a striking contrast, making them a spectacular sight.

While the Ruddy Shelduck is thriving in Asia, isolated populations found in Europe and Africa are unfortunately experiencing a decline. This highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these magnificent birds and their habitats.

The Ruddy Shelduck is an example of the diverse and colorful world of waterfowl. Its unique appearance and widespread distribution make it a fascinating subject for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. As we welcome the Ruddy Shelduck to our Birdorable family, we celebrate the beauty and diversity of the world's waterfowl species.

Tomorrow's new Birdorable is a native of Australia, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. This little songbird is named for its fabulous tail. Do you know the species?

Cute Ruddy Shelduck Gifts

2021 Bonanza Bird #2

Introducing the Stunning Smew: A New Addition to Birdorable

Birdorable Smew

Today, a striking species of duck joins Birdorable. Our second Bonanza bird of 2021 is the Smew!

Smews are Old World ducks found in northern parts of Europe and Asia. These migratory ducks are easily recognized by the striking plumage of male birds: a white body with black stripes that look like cracks across the back, and a dark spot around the eye. Females are also beautiful, with a markedly different plumage of drab dark brown with ruddy red along the top of the head and back of the neck. Our cute Birdorable Smew is a male.

Smew ducks forage for food by diving beneath the surface where they look for small prey items like insects, frogs, and fish. They also feed on some vegetation.

Smew photo
Smew by Ryan Mandelbaum (CC BY 2.0)

Tomorrow Birdorable will go to the tropics when we add a new species of tanager to Birdorable. This bright songbird has two colors in its name, and has at least 14 recognized subspecies. Can you guess this bird?

Cute Smew Gifts

2020 Bonanza Bird #30

Meet the Birdorable King Eider: The Majestic Sea Duck of the North

Birdorable King Eider

Today the second of our three “kings” joins Birdorable in the lead-up to Christmas. The King Eider is a large species of sea duck found in both the Old and New World.

King Eiders are hardy ducks, spending almost all of their time at sea. Breeding brings them to land, but females care for the nest and chicks alone, so they spend a bit more time away from the sea than males.

Speaking of male King Eiders, look at that crazy plumage! Males in breeding season are sensational, with a lot going on in terms of both color and form. They are pale blue from the forehead to the nape of the neck, with pale green cheeks and a bright yellow-orange frontal lobe framed inside a black outline. All this, and a red bill, too. It’s almost too much, but then they’ve got what looks like little “sails” on their backs, formed from special wing feathers. With a plumage so crazy, they fit into our cartoon bird family perfectly.

King Eider
King Eider by Tim Sackton (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Tomorrow’s new Birdorable will be the third and final “king” bird before Christmas. The silhouette should make this one easy! Can you guess?

Cute King Eider Gifts

2020 Bonanza Bird #17

White-faced Whistling-Duck: Bridging Continents with its Range

Birdorable White-Faced Whistling-Duck

Today’s new Birdorable is one of eight species of Whistling-Duck in the world. The White-faced Whistling-Duck joins the family!

White-faced Whistling-Ducks have an interesting range that includes large areas on two continents. They are found around freshwater habitat in sub-Saharan Africa and throughout much of South America. Their disjointed populations are a source of speculation among experts, some of whom believe that human interference may have brought the ducks across the pond.

Other species of Whistling-Duck include the Fulvous and Black-bellied, both of which are found in North America. The family gets their name from their distinct, un-duck-like, whistling calls. Whistling-Ducks are known to be gregarious, forming large roosting flocks.

Another name for this bird family is “tree duck”, as many Whistling-Ducks nest in trees. This alternative family name doesn’t apply to the White-faced, however, as they mostly nest on the ground.

White-faced Whistling Duck
White-faced Whistling Duck, Dendrocygna viduata, at Austin Rober by Derek Keats (CC BY 2.0)

Tomorrow we’ll add a species of tern with a name that sounds like it might be ready for marriage. Or perhaps they have equestrian dreams? Can you guess the species based on our silly wordplay clue?

Cute Whistling-Duck Gifts

Birdorable Surf Scoter

Today we are introducing a species of sea duck to our Birdorable family: the Surf Scoter!

Surf Scoters feed on a variety of marine invertebrates. They are restricted to North American waters, breeding on freshwater bodies in Alaska and Canada and wintering along both coasts of the continent. After the nesting period, Surf Scoters molt their flight feathers. They find a safe place to do this, because during the process, they are flightless and vulnerable to predators.

Male Surf Scoters, like our cute Birdorable version, have an all-black plumage, with distinctive white patches on the face and an orange-looking bill. Females are brown.

Via bird banding, we know that wild Surf Scoters can live to be at least 11 years old.

Surf Scoter Close-up Photo
Surf Scoter by Becky Matsubara (CC BY 2.0)

Tomorrow's new bird is a colorful species of nuthatch found in Asian forests. Can you take a guess?

Birdorable Black-bellied Whistling Duck

Today's new Birdorable bird joins our duck family! We are introducing the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck!

Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks nest in tree cavities and will use nest boxes. They can often be found perching in trees. In fact, they used to be known as Black-bellied Tree Ducks. There are 8 species of Whistling-Duck in the world. They are named for their unmistakable whistling calls.

The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is a striking species of duck with a visually pleasing mix of black, white, and chestnut to its plumage. In addition, they have a bright pink-orange bill and feet, making them easy to distinguish from other species of duck.

Black-bellied Whistling Duck family and Little Blue heron
Black-bellied Whistling Duck family and Little Blue heron

Tomorrow's new Birdorable species is a really new species -- only recently officially described by science. Can you guess this species, first found in Borneo over 10 years ago?

Birdorable Common Pochard

Today's new bird in our annual Birdorable Bonanza is an Old World species of duck: the Common Pochard!

The Common Pochard is a migratory duck found across parts of Europe and Asia. They are gregarious, found in large (sometimes mixed) flocks during the winter. Common Pochards are known to occasionally hybridize with the Tufted Duck.

Common Pochards look a lot like the Redhead of North America. Adult males have light grey backs, black at the chest, and an unmistakable red head.

Tomorrow we'll reveal a new member of the egret and heron family, known for its active hunting antics and for having two distinct color morphs. Can you guess the bird?

Cute Common Pochard Gifts

Our Birdorable Bonanza: 2015 Advent Edition continues today with a beautiful and colorful sea duck: the Harlequin Duck!

Birdorable Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Ducks are very beautiful sea ducks found along coastal waters across North America and eastern Asia. The species prefers fast-moving water and will frequently breed near fast-flowing streams.

The male Harlequin Duck has a striking plumage for which the species is named. Harlequin was a colorful masked character from an Italian style of improvisational comedy theater called "commedia dell'arte". Harlequin was a relatively late addition to the art form, and was popularized when the theater movement gained success in France.

The Harlequin Duck's colorful plumage gives it a lot of interesting alternative local names, including Painted Duck, Totem Pole Duck, White-eyed Diver, and Blue Streak. They have also earned the nicknames Sea Mouse and Squeaker from one of their more un-ducklike high-pitched vocalizations.

Harlequin Ducks feed by diving or by dabbling. They will take marine invertebrates, fish, and aquatic insects as prey. Algae and seeds may also be consumed.

harlclose
Harlequin Duck by peggycadigan (CC BY 2.0)
Harlequin Duck
Harlequin Duck by Matt Tillett (CC BY 2.0)

The Harlequin Duck is our 633rd Birdorable bird. Be sure to check out our collection of apparel and gifts featuring the Birdorable Harlequin Duck!

Our Bonanza continues tomorrow with the largest bird of prey of Australia. Can you guess tomorrow's species?

Today our Birdorable Bonanza: 2015 Advent Edition continues with a beautiful species of dabbling duck from eastern Asia: the Mandarin Duck.

Birdorable Mandarin Duck

Male Mandarin Ducks, like our cute Birdorable cartoon version here, are strikingly beautiful, with a unique colorful plumage. The flanks are ruddy, with a contrasting purple breast outlined in black and white. The forehead is teal and the dark eyes stand out against a white crescent-shaped stripe. Two orange sail-like tufts appear at the back.

Mandarin Ducks are closely related to the Wood Duck of North America. Mandarins nest in trees, often in dense woods, near fresh water.

Because of their beauty, Mandarin Ducks are popular in waterfowl collections. Escaped birds have established populations outside of their native range of eastern Asia. In Europe, there are large Mandarin Duck populations in Britain and Germany; in the United States you can find Mandarin Ducks living in the wild in parts of North Carolina and California.

Mandarin duck
Mandarin Duck by Tambako The Jaguar (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Mandarin duck, Hall Drive Pond, Salhouse
Mandarin Duck by Michael Button (CC BY 2.0)

Mandarin DuckMandarin Duck by thecrypt (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Tomorrow's bird is a great woodpecker that can be found in Europe and north Asia. Can you guess what it will be?

Cute Mandarin Duck Gifts