Chestnut Teal

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The Chestnut Teal is a medium-sized (35–50 cm) dabbling duck with a rounded head and dark red-brown eyes. Breeding males are unmistakable, featuring a brilliant iridescent green head, a rich chestnut-brown breast and flanks, and a dark back with a conspicuous white patch on the flank just before the black undertail. Females and non-breeding males are more understated, possessing overall mottled dark brown plumage. Both sexes display a metallic green speculum with a broad white leading edge on the wing, which is most visible during their rapid-flight wingbeats. The female is highly vocal, emitting a loud, rapid-fire series of "laughing" quacks that typically descend in pitch and often repeat nine or more times. The male is much quieter, producing a soft, high-pitched whistle or a low-intensity wheeze. This species is an active forager, frequently seen dabbling or upending in shallow water or filtering coastal mud to feed on seeds, insects, and molluscs. Endemic to Australia and most common in the south and Tasmania, the Chestnut Teal is notably tolerant of high salinity. It is more likely than other Australian ducks to be found in coastal estuaries, mangrove swamps, and saltmarshes, though it also utilizes inland freshwater wetlands and agricultural dams. While males are easily identified, females are frequently confused with the Grey Teal. To distinguish them, note the Chestnut Teal’s generally darker, more robust appearance and mottled throat; the Grey Teal has a cleaner, noticeably whiter throat and face that contrasts sharply with its head.

Description · BirdUp · CC BY-SA 4.0

1. 01

   Iridescent bottle-green head (breeding male)

   Shimmers with a distinctive bottle-green iridescence in good light, prominent in breeding males.

2. 02

   Bright red eye (both sexes)

   A distinct and easily visible feature, present in all plumages and sexes.

3. 03

   Rich chestnut breast and flanks (breeding male)

   A uniform, deep chestnut-brown colour covering the underparts and sides, characteristic of the breeding male.

4. 04

   High-crowned head with steep forehead

   Gives a distinct rounded, somewhat 'puffy' head profile in both sexes.