Baikal Teal Bird Details
Sibirionetta formosa
Baikal Teal,Beautiful Teal, Sibirian Teal;
Baikal Teal
Johann Gottlieb Georgi, 1775
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Sibirionetta
India (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand during migration.), Russia, Mongolia, China, and North Korea.
Appearance :
The male Baikal Teal has a distinctive appearance with a brownish head and a white crescent-shaped patch on the face. It has a striking greenish-black band on the side of its neck and intricate patterns on its body. Females are more subdued, with mottled brown plumage.
Behaviour :
Baikal Teals are social birds, often seen in groups. They are generally shy and can be seen dabbling on the water's surface for food or diving for aquatic plants.
Habitat :
They inhabit shallow freshwater lakes, wetlands, and marshes, particularly during the breeding season.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Baikal Teals are found across East Asia, including Russia, Mongolia, China, and parts of North Korea during the breeding season. They migrate to Southeast Asia for the winter.
Population Size :
The global population size is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
Life Span :
The average lifespan in the wild is around 5 to 10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Baikal Teal has a slender, streamlined body, measuring about 40-45 cm in length. Males are more brightly colored than females.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 4 to 5 cm long.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small and rounded, with the male featuring a distinctive brownish head and a white crescent-shaped patch.
- Bill: The bill is flat and broad, typical of dabbling ducks.
- Bill Length: About 3 to 4 cm long.
Length :
Typically ranges from 40 to 45 cm in length.
Neck :
The neck is short to medium, providing a compact appearance.
Size :
Males are usually larger than females, but both exhibit similar body shapes.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and pointed, not overly pronounced.
- Tail Length: Approximately 6 to 8 cm long.
- Feathers: Males have vibrant patterns, including a greenish-black neck band and intricate designs on the body. Females are more mottled and brown for camouflage.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 500 to 800 grams.
Wing :
The wings are long and pointed, aiding in swift flight.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 70 to 80 cm.
Facial Feature :
Males have a distinctive white crescent on the face along with a brown head, while females have a more camouflaged appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Baikal Teals build their nests on the ground, usually in dense vegetation near water bodies.
- Nest made up of: Nests are constructed using grass, reeds, and down feathers for insulation.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period typically occurs from April to June.
Nesting Season :
Nesting season usually falls within the spring months, particularly in May.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale green or olive in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4.5 to 5 cm long.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 3.2 to 4 cm wide.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 30 to 50 grams.
Clutch Size :
Clutch sizes typically range from 6 to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
They generally raise one brood per season, but under optimal conditions, they may attempt a second brood.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 26 to 28 days.
Nestling Period :
The ducklings are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching, relying on their parents for food and protection for about 6 to 8 weeks.
Vocalization :
Vocalizations include soft quacks and whistles, especially during courtship and when they feel threatened.
Sex Demorphism :
Yes, there is significant sexual dimorphism; males are brightly colored with distinct patterns, while females are more uniformly brown.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Baikal Teals are migratory birds, typically moving from breeding grounds in northern regions to wintering areas in Southeast Asia.
- Migration Period: Migration usually occurs in the autumn as they move south and returns in spring for breeding.
- Migration Route: They primarily migrate through East Asia, often following river valleys and coastal routes.
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