Green-winged Teal

Not to be confused with the common mallard, green-winged teals (Anas carolinensis) are the smallest North American duck species and endemic to San Francisco Bay’s salt marshes, where they spend winters during their annual migrations. This species is likely to be spotted in Emeryville's mudflats as they prefer to forage in the mudflat habitat of salt marsh ecosystems rather than out in the water. Waterfowl provide a somewhat controversial topic of discussion to wetland conservation, as hunters are major proponents of local efforts. Historically, the National Park System was pioneered by hunting enthusiast Teddy Roosevelt, but unregulated hunting led to massive loss in commonly hunted animals.