Silver Teal
Spatula versicolor
The Silver Teal (Spatula versicolor) is a uncommon ducks, swans, and geese found in 13 countries, weighing about 595 g. The silver teal or versicolor teal is a species of dabbling duck in the genus Spatula.
About the Silver Teal
The silver teal or versicolor teal is a species of dabbling duck in the genus Spatula. It breeds in South America.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
They have a black cap that extends below the eyes, and a bluish bill with a yellow tip. They also have a green speculum with a white border. The female's plumage is slightly duller and has less yellow at the base of the beak. The Puna teal was previously regarded as a subspecies of this bird. Currently, there are two subspecies: S. versicolor versicolor northern silver teal located in Paraguay, southern Bolivia, and southern Brazil. S. versicolor fretensis southern silver teal located in southern Chile, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France, Germany, Belgium, United Kingdom, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates.
When to see it
The Silver 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 Silver Teal?
- They have a black cap that extends below the eyes, and a bluish bill with a yellow tip. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Silver Teal?
- The Silver Teal is a large sized bird weighing about 595 g.
- Where can you see a Silver Teal?
- The Silver Teal occurs in 13 countries, including Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile and the Falkland Islands.
- What birds look similar to a Silver Teal?
- The Silver Teal is most easily confused with the Red Shoveler, the Cape Shoveler and the Blue-billed Teal.
- Is the Silver Teal endangered?
- The Silver Teal is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Silver Teal for real
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