There are five subspecies of this little duck, all native to the New World. The only subspecies native to North America is the Northern Cinnamon Teal , which breeds in western North America from British Columbia south to California and winters in the south western States and Mexico. This is the most commonly kept Cinnamon Teal. All of the remaining subspecies are native to South America. The Argentine Cinnamon Teal breeds from southern Peru south into Argentina and the Falkland Islands. The largest race, the Andean Cinnamon Teal , can be found in the high plateaus of Peru, Bolivia and Chile. The smallest is the Tropical Cinnamon Teal from the lowlands of Columbia and the rarest subspecies, the Borrero's Cinnamon Teal is restricted to the highlands of Columbia.
All of the above subspecies are similar in appearance, with the obvious size exceptions. The Tropical Cinnamon is also much more spotted than the others. I believe that the Argentine is the only other subspecies that is kept in captivity.
The (northern) drake's breeding plumage is deep chestnut red over most of the head and body. The wing is blue, similar to the Blue-winged Teal with a green speculum. The bill is black; feet and legs orange-yellow. Hens are very similar to Blue-wing hens, but are slightly darker. If you keep both species, be sure to mark them (bands) so you won't confuse the two species, as they will readily breed with one another.
The Northern Cinnamon Teal is not hard to keep and
breed in aviaries. The breeding season begins in late
April when the hens begin to lay their clutch of 9 to
11 eggs in dense cover. Incubation lasts about 25 days
and are quite small and delicate, but easy to care
for. First year birds are able to breed.
Cinnamon Teal are hardy and good birds for the
beginner, but the drakes can become very aggressive
and troublesome during the breeding season. Only keep
in a mixed collection with other large species, such
as the Mandarin or Wood Duck. They do require some
shelter during the colder months.
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Cinnamon Teal Drake
Cinnamon Teal Hen
Cinnamon Teal Pair