The Green-winged Teal, known as the Common Teal or Eurasian Teal in many international bird references, is a small migratory duck found across Europe and Asia. Its scientific name is Anas crecca. In Nepal, it is known as बिजुलगैरी हाँस and is a regular winter visitor and passage migrant, arriving at wetlands, lakes, rivers and marshes during its seasonal movements.
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| Female Green-winged Teal resting on a Taudaha lake. |
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| Male Green-winged Teal on Taudaha Lake, Kathmandu, Nepal. |
Migration of Green-winged Teal to Nepal
Every year, migratory waterbirds move south from colder northern regions as winter approaches. The Green-winged Teal is among the ducks that travel between their breeding grounds and warmer wintering areas. Nepal provides important seasonal habitat for these birds, particularly in lowland wetlands and suitable freshwater environments.
Green-winged Teals generally begin arriving in Nepal during autumn, with movements often observed from September onward. They spend the winter in suitable wetlands before departing during spring. Their numbers and timing can vary according to weather, water levels and local habitat conditions.
In Nepal, this species has been recorded from the eastern lowlands to the far western Terai, including important wetland areas around Koshi, Chitwan and Shuklaphanta as well as Kathmandu valley. It may also occur at suitable lakes and wetlands in the Himalayan region during migration.
Which Countries Do Green-winged Teals Migrate From?
The Eurasian population breeds across northern Europe and large parts of northern Asia. During the non-breeding season, many individuals move south to find food, open water and more favourable winter conditions.
Countries and regions associated with the Eurasian population include:
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Russia: Extensive breeding areas across northern and northern-central Asia.
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Mongolia: Breeding and migratory habitat in suitable northern and eastern regions.
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China: Breeding, passage and wintering areas, depending on the population and region.
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Kazakhstan: Important wetlands along migration routes and seasonal habitats.
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European countries: Breeding populations occur in parts of northern and eastern Europe.
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India: An important wintering destination for birds travelling into South Asia.
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Nepal: A wintering destination and passage area for migratory populations.
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Bangladesh and Myanmar: Suitable wetlands support wintering or passage birds in the broader region.
The precise route followed by an individual duck depends on its breeding population. Not every Green-winged Teal visits all these countries, and the species' seasonal distribution varies across its range.
Wetlands Are Essential for Migratory Ducks
Green-winged Teals prefer shallow wetlands where they can feed on seeds, aquatic plants and small invertebrates. Marshes, flooded grasslands, lake margins, reservoirs and slow-moving river edges can provide valuable feeding and resting areas.
In Nepal, wetlands are especially important for migratory birds because they offer places to rest and refuel during long journeys. Protecting these habitats helps sustain Green-winged Teals and many other migratory waterbirds.
However, wetland drainage, pollution, excessive disturbance and the conversion of natural habitats into developed land can reduce the quality of these seasonal refuges.
How Can We Protect Green-winged Teals in Nepal?
Protecting migratory ducks requires cooperation across national borders because birds depend on several countries throughout their annual journeys. In Nepal, conservation efforts should include protecting natural wetlands, maintaining clean water, preventing illegal hunting and reducing unnecessary disturbance.
Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers can also contribute by observing birds responsibly. Avoid chasing ducks, disturbing resting flocks or damaging the vegetation surrounding wetlands. Maintaining safe distances allows these birds to feed and rest naturally.
Conclusion
The Green-winged Teal is a small but remarkable migratory duck whose seasonal movements connect northern Europe and Asia with warmer regions farther south. Nepal provides valuable wintering and passage habitat for this species, linking its wetlands with a much wider international network of migratory bird habitats.
By conserving Nepal's rivers, lakes, marshes and other wetlands, we can help protect the Green-winged Teal and the many migratory birds that depend on these habitats every year.
Note: The name Green-winged Teal is commonly used for the North American form, while Common Teal or Eurasian Teal is used for the Eurasian species Anas crecca. The article above focuses on the Eurasian population found in Nepal.
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