Teal, female, 03012021, 02 f

Teal,

Order ;- Anseriformes,

Family ;- Anatidae,

Species ;- Anas crecca,

 

The smallest common surface-feeding duck, the Teal is agile and quick in flight, its movements recalling those of a wader, Nervous groups may often swoop down to a sheltered bay, only to dart over the water surface and wheel up and away once more, sometimes several such approaches precede their eventual settling,

In places, Teal occur in hundreds but 20 - 40 are more typical, scattered along well-vegetated or muddy shores, or in wet marshes,

Breeds in N and E Europe on freshwater marshes and wet moor and heaths, including high moorland pools, Winters more widely in S and W Europe, mostly on fresh waters with muddy edges and around estuaries, An absence of bright colours on the bill and legs helps to identify the female Teal,

 

Voice ;- Male has lod, ringing, high-pitched ' cirk crik ' that can be easily heard at long range marshes or estuaeies, female has high quack,

Nesting ;- Down-lined hollow near water, 8 - 11 eggs 1 brood, April - June,

Feeding ;- Mosly in water or on muddy shores, taking plants and seeds,

Length ;- 34 - 38 cm ( 13.5 - 15 in ),

Wingspan ;- 58 - 64 cm ( 23 - 25 in ), Weight,- 250 - 400 g ( 9 - 14 oz ).

Social ;- Small flocks,

Lifespan ;- 10 - 15 years,

Status ;- Secure,

Done