Full continental coverage. Seen during winter in the southernmost states and east coast up to Chesapeake Bay. Seen during summer in westernmost states, western Canada, most of Alaska, and numerous shallow wet area in the northeast. Seen in the rest of the continent during migration, but not in the northern tundra areas.

Seen in west in shallow, often stagnant water. Often in small flocks. Less common in the east. Swims low in water, feeds by straining tiny crustaceans and seeds using specialized bill.

Sloping forehead, long spatula bill. In summer, male has green head, white breast, rufous sides and belly, but remains in drab female like eclipse until early winter. First winter males shows whitish crescent on face as in blue-winged teals. Both sexes have dark green speculum and light blue upper wing coverts, duller in female

Up very early and drive to the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northern California for a day of photographing the unbelievable number of birds here as well as the vast quantity of different types.

The Tulelake National Wildlife Refuges is one of the largest accumalations of water foul that I have seen anywhere.

Many are the stops for birding in South Texas, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is one of the better ones.