Ringed Teal
Callonetta leucophrys
The Ringed Teal (Callonetta leucophrys) is a uncommon ducks, swans, and geese found in 26 countries, weighing about 363 g. The ringed teal is a small duck of marshes, pools, and forest wetlands native to south-central South America.
About the Ringed Teal
The ringed teal is a small duck of marshes, pools, and forest wetlands native to south-central South America. It is the only species of the genus Callonetta. Formerly often placed with the perching ducks in the tribe Cairinini, this species is now known to be closer to shelducks and belongs in the subfamily Tadorninae.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The ringed teal is 35–38 cm (14–15 in) long, with a 70 cm (28 in) wingspan, and a weight of 190–360 g (6.7–12.7 oz). The drake has a rich chestnut back, pale grey flanks, and a salmon-coloured breast speckled in black. A black band runs from the top of its head down to the nape. Females have an olive-brownish back, a head blotched and striated in white, and pencilled barring on a pale chest and belly. Both males and females have a dark tail, a contrasting pale rump, and a distinctive white patch on the wing. The bill is grey and legs and feet are pink in both sexes. Pairs easily bond.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Netherlands, Chile, Canada, Czechia, Bulgaria.
When to see it
The Ringed Teal can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Ringed Teal?
- The ringed teal is 35–38 cm (14–15 in) long, with a 70 cm (28 in) wingspan, and a weight of 190–360 g (6.7–12.7 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Ringed Teal?
- The Ringed Teal is a large sized bird weighing about 363 g.
- Where can you see a Ringed Teal?
- The Ringed Teal occurs in 26 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia.
- What birds look similar to a Ringed Teal?
- The Ringed Teal is most easily confused with the Cape Barren Goose, the Falcated Duck and the Nene.
- Is the Ringed Teal endangered?
- The Ringed Teal is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Ringed Teal for real
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