Species Profile
Eurasian Teal
Anas crecca
Eurasian Teal
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–15 years
Length
34–38 cm
Weight
250–450 g
Wingspan
53–59 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Common Teal, Green-winged Teal (Eurasian subspecies)
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Appearance
The Eurasian Teal is a small dabbling duck with a compact body and short neck.
Males in breeding plumage display a striking chestnut head with a broad green eye patch, contrasting with a buff and grey body and a black-edged yellow triangle under the tail.
Females and non-breeding males have mottled brown plumage with a dark eye stripe. Both sexes show a green speculum bordered by white on the wings during flight.
Juvenile Teal look very similar to adult females but have spotted underparts.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Green
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Female Markings
Mottled brown plumage with dark speckling
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Eurasian Teals inhabit many freshwater wetlands, including shallow lakes, marshes, and slow-flowing rivers. They breed across northern Eurasia, from Iceland to Siberia, including parts of the UK.
During winter, they migrate south to temperate and subtropical regions, including southern Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. In the UK, their numbers swell significantly during the winter months with arrivals from northern Europe.
Distribution
Diet
Eurasian Teals primarily feed on plant matter, including seeds, leaves, and stems of aquatic plants. They also consume small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season.
Their diet shifts seasonally, with more animal matter consumed in spring and summer and more plant material in autumn and winter.
They find most of their food at the water’s surface or to a depth of about 25 centimetres. These dabbling ducks may catch small flying insects above the water, dip their head under the water, or upend, but rarely dive.
Behaviour
Eurasian Teals are highly gregarious, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season. They are agile fliers, capable of swift, twisting movements in the air.
When feeding, they dabble in shallow water, tipping up to reach submerged vegetation, and occasionally upend completely.
Calls & Sounds
Male Eurasian Teals produce a distinctive, high-pitched whistle often described as a 'krik' sound. This call is frequently heard during flight or courtship. Females have a softer, more guttural quack. During courtship, males also make a soft rattling or purring sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding begins in spring, with pairs forming on wintering grounds or during migration. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including whistle calls and head-bobbing movements.
Females construct nests on the ground, often hidden in dense vegetation near water. The nest is a shallow depression lined with grass and down. Clutch size typically ranges from 8 to 11 eggs, which are pale cream to olive in colour.
Incubation lasts about 21-23 days and is carried out solely by the female. Ducklings are precocial and can leave the nest within hours of hatching, fledging after 25-30 days.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Eurasian Teals face threats from habitat loss and degradation, particularly the draining of wetlands. Climate change may also impact their breeding and wintering grounds.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats across their range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Eurasian Teals in shallow wetlands, estuaries, and coastal lagoons
- Listen for their distinctive high-pitched whistle, especially during flight
- Observe their rapid take-offs and agile flying patterns
- In the UK, visit nature reserves during winter months for the best viewing opportunities
Did You Know?
- Eurasian Teals can take off from water almost vertically, a useful adaptation for inhabiting small ponds.
- They are one of the smallest dabbling duck species in the world.
- Despite their small size, Eurasian Teals can fly at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph).
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