Grey Teal

The Grey Teal (Anas gracilis) is a dabbling duck of modest appearance, with a mottled brown plumage and subtle white and green flashes on its wings. Both sexes exhibit similar coloration, which can lead to confusion with the female Chestnut Teal, though the Grey Teal can be distinguished by its lighter neck and paler face. The species is characterized by a crimson iris, more vivid in adult males, and a blue-grey bill edged with dark lines. Their feet mirror the hue of their bill, presenting in a muted grey.

Identification Tips

Adult Grey Teals possess a crimson iris, which is particularly pronounced in males. Their mottled brown plumage is accented with white and green wing flashes. The species has a relatively plain or slightly streaked head with a dark crown, and a cream-colored chin, throat, and cheeks. Juveniles are identifiable by their paler head and dull brown eyes, which brighten to crimson upon maturity. The bill is blue-grey with dark lining, and the feet are similarly grey.

Habitat

Favoring shallow freshwater environments, Grey Teals thrive in lagoons, swamps, and shallow lakes. They prefer areas with ample marginal vegetation and are less commonly found in open spaces. During breeding, they select freshwater sites but may occasionally be seen in coastal or brackish waters.

Distribution

The Grey Teal is a breeding species in Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and Indonesia, with vagrant populations in the Solomons and New Caledonia. In New Zealand, it is a self-introduced species, now common throughout the country, with larger populations in specific regions such as Hawke's Bay, Waikato, South Auckland, and Otago.

Behaviour

Grey Teals are gregarious and nomadic, especially in Australia, where they rapidly colonize new habitats following rainfall. They are known for their vocal nature, particularly at night, with males emitting a soft "preep" and females a loud quack. The species is not fixed in its flightless moult, which occurs before and after the breeding season.

Song & Calls

The male Grey Teal's call is a soft whistle, while the female's is a loud and harsh quack. They also have softer variations for short-distance communication. Their calls are similar to those of the Chestnut Teal.

Breeding

Grey Teals form long-term, monogamous pair bonds and begin breeding at one year old. Breeding is linked to rainfall and food abundance rather than a fixed season. Nesting is usually solitary, with nests found in tree hollows or hidden amongst ground vegetation. Clutch sizes vary, with an average of 6-14 eggs, and incubation lasts 25-31 days. Ducklings are brooded by the female alone but may be cared for by the male if necessary.

Similar Species

The Grey Teal is often mistaken for the female Chestnut Teal due to their similar coloration. However, the Grey Teal has a lighter neck and paler face, which can help distinguish the two.

Diet and Feeding

Grey Teals primarily consume invertebrates such as larvae of midges, water beetles, mosquitoes, and caddisflies, as well as seeds from aquatic plants. They forage by dabbling and upending in shallow waters or by dredging out estuary mudflats.

Conservation Status

The Grey Teal is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In New Zealand, it is fully protected, with a growing population. In contrast, it is a common game bird in Australia, where hunting is permitted during the game season.