The Blue-winged Teal is considered the second most abundant duck species in North America, migrating as far south as Brazil and Peru. During molting season, adults lose their flight feathers and are unable to fly for up to four weeks. They forage mainly in shallow water, usually dipping just their bill or head below water, and only rarely diving. Their diet consists primarily of aquatic invertebrates, seeds, vegetation from aquatic plants, and algae. They also occasionally feed on grains from agricultural crops. There are no recognized subspecies.