Teal

Background

Within the Teal, males and females show a different colouration in the body. The males with grey flanks and a spotted chest, and the females showing a mottled pattern. The heads of these species both show a green patch surrounding the eye, making these ducks easily recognisable.

Habitat

Teals are migratory birds and therefore move with the seasons. They are a resident species in Britain and can be seen all year round, however their numbers increase significantly during the winter. Teals can be found throughout the northern hemisphere. This duck species lives in ponds, marshes, estuaries and sheltered coastal environments.

Diet

The teal is primarily a surface feeder meaning that they feed on small invertebrates and plant matter. On land they can be seen eating seeds.

Predators & Threats

Cats, large birds of prey, foxes and weasels are know to prey on this duck species. In addition to predation, however, the teal is susceptible to habitat degredation and are still hunted in a number of different parts of the world.

Facts

• In winter there can be as many as 218,000 teals migrate into Britain. There are approximately 2,000 breeding pairs that are present in the UK all year round.
• A group of teals are called a “spring”.

Best Time to Look

October - April