Grey Teal

Images ©:

Grey Teal - JJ Harrison | Grey Teal - Arthur Chapman | Grey Teal - Arthur Chapman | Grey Teal - Leo | Grey Teal - Bob Winters

Anas gracilis


Grows between 42-45 cm tall. Body plumage almost uniformly brown. Each feather has a pale edge. High, rounded crown. Red eye.


Details
Type
Bird
Group
Biology

Breeds swiftly after substantial rain at any time of the year. Otherwise the breeding season is from July to November in south-west and south-east Australia. Female builds nest, usually in hollow logs, on the ground or in rabbit holes. Between 6 and 12 eggs are laid. Female incubates and cares for young. Incubation period is between 24 and 26 days.

Distinctive Markings

Off-white from lower face to neck. Green-black speculum.

Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Anseriformes
Family
Anatidae
Genus
Anas
Species
gracilis

Found throughout Australia.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Grey Teal may crossbreed in the wild with Pacific Black Duck and Chestnut Teal.


Interesting Facts
Diet

Omnivore. Dry land plants, aquatic plants, seeds, crustaceans, insects and their larvae.

Habitat

Sheltered watered areas including fresh, brackish and salt water. Tend to favour timbered pools and river systems of inland areas.

Native Status
Native to Australia
Audio
Sounds
The male has a high pitched "peep" or "gderoo". The female has a wild laughing chuckle in addtion to a raucous "quark, quark, quark".