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Anas castanea
The Chestnut Teal is a dabbling duck found in southern Australia, and is an indigenous species. The male (pictured) has a distinctive green coloured head and mottled brown body. The female has a brown head and mottled brown body. They form monogamous pairs that stay together outside the breeding season. They are really beautiful birds, and this is my first spotting of them.
The Chestnut Teal is found on wetlands and estuaries in coastal regions, and is one of the few ducks able to tolerate high salinity waters, although it still needs fresh water for drinking. It will also use open freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sewage ponds during dry seasons. It mainly breeds in coastal areas, needing hollow trees in water or short grasslands near water for nesting, and it will readily take to suitable nest boxes.
Chestnut Teals are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
Spotted on Feb 19, 2014
Submitted on Mar 3, 2014
1 Comment
They are, Selma, and dabbling ducks always seem to be very gentle birds. These ones have really beautiful colours.