teal duck

1. Bird Name: Bird enthusiasts typically refer to this lovely species as the Teal Duck. In more formal or scientific settings, they are known by their Latin moniker, Anas crecca.

2. Appearance: Teal ducks, both males and females, display a delightful mixture of coloration and patterning. Dominant hues include chestnut, green, and varying tones of grey. Males are particularly striking with their chestnut-colored heads and green eye patches. Both sexes possess a small, delicate beak, and the color of their eyes is a subtle touch of brown. The texture of their feathers is smooth, much like the majority of waterfowl, allowing them to move efficiently through water.

3. Size: These are small ducks, measuring up to 34–43 centimeters or approximately 13.5–17 inches in length. Their wingspan often ranges between 58–64 cm (approximately 23–25 inches). A mature teal duck’s weight is typically between 320–500 grams, depending on the individual and time of year.

4. Habitat & Distribution: Teal ducks are to be found across multiple continents. They are native to Asia, Europe, and North America, and have even been sighted in Australasia. They are water-loving birds, and their preferred habitats include wetlands such as marshes and ponds, as well as shallow lakes and slow-flowing rivers.

5. Interesting Facts: A fascinating fact about teal ducks is their long-distance migration habits. Some birds migrate up to 3,000 kilometers twice a year from their wintering grounds to breeding areas. During flight, teal ducks can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h. Teal ducks also hold cultural significance in some parts of the world. For example, in Ireland and the United Kingdom, they are often seen as symbols of good fortune and prosperity.

6. Diet: Teal ducks are omnivorous and have a varied diet. They consume small aquatic invertebrates, seeds, plant material, and occasionally small fish.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Teal ducks are gregarious and social, typically seen in pairs or larger groups. The males display an interesting courtship behavior where they show off their colorful plumage to attract females. The sound they produce is a distinctive, high-pitched ‘cri-cri,’ which is easily recognizable.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, teal ducks are currently classified as of ‘Least Concern.’ Their population numbers are stable and widespread, posing no immediate threat to their survival.

9. Lifespan: The average lifespan of a teal duck in the wild is about 20–22 years, though this can drop significantly due to factors such as predation and disease. In captivity, they can live beyond these average age expectations, often reaching up to 25 years.

10. Additional Notes: In French, teal ducks are referred to as ‘Sarcelle d’hiver’, and in German, they are known as ‘Krickente.’ They have a beneficial role in ecosystem maintenance by controlling aquatic invertebrates’ population and disseminating plant seeds. In areas where they interact with humans more closely, such as public parks, they are generally approachable and have no fear of our presence, making them popular among bird watchers and nature photographers.