Eurasian Teal Bird Details
Anas crecca
Eurasian Teal,Green-winged Teal, common teal;
Kumbhar
Carl Linnaeus, 1758
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Anas
Europe, Asia, and Africa, UK, France, Germany, India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan), and Russia.
Appearance :
The Eurasian Teal is a small dabbling duck with a slender body, short neck, and a distinctive green patch on its wings. Males have a chestnut-brown head with a green stripe, while females are mottled brown.
Behaviour :
They are social birds, often found in small flocks. They are known for their rapid flight and can often be seen swimming together in groups. Breeding pairs tend to be monogamous.
Habitat :
The Eurasian Teal prefers shallow freshwater marshes, lakes, and ponds with abundant vegetation. They also inhabit coastal wetlands and rice fields.
Diet :
Their diet primarily consists of aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They dabble on the water's surface and forage on land.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Eurasian Teal breeds in northern Europe and parts of Asia. During winter, it migrates to southern Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
Population Size :
The population is estimated to be in the millions.
Life Span :
The average lifespan of a Eurasian Teal in the wild is about 5 to 10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Small-sized dabbling duck with a compact body.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 3.5 to 4.3 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The male has a distinctive chestnut-brown head with a green stripe; females are mottled brown.
- Eye: Dark brown eyes, relatively small compared to the head size.
- Bill: The bill is broad and slightly flattened, adapted for dabbling.
- Bill Length: About 3.5 to 4.5 cm.
Length :
Approximately 34 to 38 cm.
Neck :
Short neck, proportionate to the head and body size.
Size :
Small dabbling duck, with males generally being slightly larger than females.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and pointed, typical of dabbling ducks.
- Tail Length: Around 7 to 9 cm.
- Feathers: Males have colorful plumage, including a green wing patch; females are camouflaged with mottled brown feathers for nesting.
Weight :
Approximately 300 to 500 grams.
Wing :
Long and pointed wings, allowing for rapid flight.
Wing Span :
Approximately 60 to 70 cm.
Facial Feature :
Males have a distinctive green stripe running back from the eye, while females are more uniformly brown.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is typically a shallow depression lined with plant material.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is made up of grasses, reeds, and down feathers for insulation.
Breeding Season :
Breeding occurs from late March to June, depending on the location.
Nesting Season :
Nests are typically built in dense vegetation near water sources, and females lay a clutch of about 6 to 12 eggs.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale blue to greenish in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4.6 to 5.1 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 3.3 to 3.8 cm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg typically weighs around 30 to 40 grams.
Clutch Size :
The average clutch size is about 6 to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally, Eurasian Teals raise one brood per breeding season, although in favorable conditions, they may attempt a second brood.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 21 to 28 days.
Nestling Period :
Ducklings fledge and become independent approximately 40 to 50 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Males emit a soft, whistling sound, while females have a more quacking call. Their vocalizations can vary depending on social interactions and mating displays.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are more colorful, with chestnut-brown and green plumage, while females are mottled brown for camouflage.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The Eurasian Teal is a migratory bird, often traveling in small flocks.
- Migration Period: Migration typically occurs in the fall (September to October) and spring (March to April), with birds moving to breeding grounds.
- Migration Route: They migrate from breeding grounds in northern Europe and Asia to wintering areas in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of Africa.