Spatula discors, commonly known as the Blue-winged Teal, is native to North America. It breeds mainly in the north-central United States and southern Canada, ranging from the prairies of the northern United States and the Canadian Prairies to the Great Lakes region. During the non-breeding season, this species migrates to Central America, the Caribbean, and as far south as northern South America.

During the breeding season, the Blue-winged Teal is typically found in shallow freshwater wetlands such as marshes, ponds, and small lakes with abundant vegetation. The preferred climate during breeding is temperate, with access to both open water and dense emergent vegetation that provides cover and nesting sites. In the non-breeding season, they inhabit more diverse wetland habitats, including coastal marshes and mangroves, and are often found in warmer tropical to subtropical climates.

Spatula discors is primarily a surface-feeding duck, often foraging in shallow waters for aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and plant material. It plays an ecological role in controlling insect populations and helping to disperse aquatic plant seeds. Variations in habitat due to regional adaptations are minimal, as their basic ecological requirements remain consistent across different geographical distributions.