This little dabbling duck is named for the large pale blue patch on the upper wing, visible in flight. Male: In basic plumage, head is bluish-gray with a large white crescent running in front of the eye down the base of the bill. The sides are tan with fine dark spots. A small white patch on the lower flank separates the sides from the black tail area. Legs and feet are orange. In flight, a broad white border separates the blue wing coverts from the green speculum. In Summer and early Fall adult males assume a cryptic female-like appearance, but with a darker bill and a faint remnant of the white facial crescent. Female: Mottled gray-brown overall, with pale belly. Head and neck less strongly patterned, with pale crescents above and below the eye and a whitish patch near the base of the bill connecting to the whitish throat. A dark line runs through the eye. Legs and feet are grayish to yellow.

Length: 38 (cm) Wingspan: 58 (cm)

Voice:

Male’s call is a high peeping; female’s a thin nasal quack.

Habitat:

Shallow wetlands and ponds

Behavior:

Feeding:

Dabbles for aquatic plants and invertebrates.