What does "teal" mean?

Teal: Any one of several species of small fresh-water ducks of the genus Anas and the subgenera Querquedula and Nettion. The male is handsomely colored, and has a bright green or blue speculum on the wings. Note: The common European teal (Anas crecca) and the European blue- winged teal, or garganey (A. querquedula or A. circia), are well- known species. In America the blue-winged teal (A. discors), the green-winged teal (A. Carolinensis), and the cinnamon teal (A. cynaoptera) are common species, valued as game birds. See Garganey. Goose teal, a goslet. See Goslet. -- Teal duck, the common European teal.