The Grey Teal (Anas gracilis) is a dabbling duck found in open wetlands in New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.
This is a gregarious species. In Australia it is nomadic, rapidly colonising suitable habitat following rain. In 1957, large numbers fled Australia, moving to New Zealand to escape drought.
It was formerly considered a subspecies of the Sunda Teal, as Anas gibberifrons gracilis.
Description
This is a mottled brown duck with white and green flashes on its wings. The male and female Grey Teal share the same coloration, in contrast to the related Chestnut Teal, whose male and female are strikingly different.
The Grey Teal has almost identical coloration to the female Chestnut Teal and the Grey can only be distinguished by its lighter colored neck and paler face.
Juveniles are paler than adults, especially on the head.
Nesting / Breeding
The Grey Teal nests near its favoured freshwater lakes and marshes, usually on the ground, but also in tree holes or rabbit burrows.
Call / Vocalization
This is a vocal duck, especially at night. The male gives a soft preep, and the female has a loud quack.
Status
Widespread throughout its large range, the Grey Teal is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
References
- BirdLife International (2004). Anas gracilis. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
- Wildfowl by Madge and Burn, ISBN 0-7470-2201-1
More Duck Resources
Diet / Feeding
Ducks generally feed on larvae and pupae often found under rocks, as well as aquatic animals, plant material, seeds, small fish, snails and crabs.
