Silver Teal

The Silver Teal, or Versicolor Teal (Spatula versicolor), presents a charming appearance with its distinctive black cap that elegantly extends below the eyes. This species is adorned with a bluish bill, tipped with a touch of yellow, and a green speculum that is neatly bordered by white, adding a dash of color to its plumage.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Silver Teal, look for the striking black cap and the bluish bill with its yellow tip. The green speculum bordered by white is a key feature that distinguishes it from other species.

Habitat

The Silver Teal is known to favor reed beds, which provide a suitable environment for nesting and protection.

Distribution

This species has a broad range across South America, including southern Bolivia, southern Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, as well as the more remote South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, and the Falkland Islands. During the winter months, the southernmost populations migrate to southern Brazil.

Behaviour

Silver Teals are generally placid ducks, often found in small groups on fresh water. They exhibit protective behavior towards their eggs, young, and females, which is a testament to their nurturing instincts.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Silver Teal contribute to the rich tapestry of sounds that one may encounter in their natural habitat.

Breeding

Breeding season for the Silver Teal occurs between April and June. During this time, they lay 6 to 10 creamy-pink eggs in the seclusion of reed beds. Remarkably, both parents are involved in rearing the ducklings, a trait shared with swans and geese. It is also noted that pairs may form long-term bonds.

Similar Species

The Puna Teal was once considered a subspecies of the Silver Teal but is now recognized as a separate species. Within the Silver Teal, there are two subspecies: the northern Silver Teal (S. v. versicolor) and the southern Silver Teal (S. v. fretensis).

Diet and Feeding

Silver Teals have a diet that primarily consists of vegetable matter. They forage for seeds and aquatic plants, which constitute the bulk of their nourishment.

Conservation Status

The Silver Teal is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, the species does not face any immediate threat of extinction.