Chestnut Teal

Scientific Name: Anas castanea

Description: The male Chestnut Teal, in breeding plumage, is very colourful with a chestnut body and distinctive dark green glossy head that reflects the sunlight. They also have a black under-tail with a contrasting white patch. The female is a mottled dark and light brown.

Chestnut Teals generally form monogamous pairs that stay together inside and outside breeding seasons. Large flocks may form in the non-breeding season, generally from December to April. They feed on seeds, vegetation, molluscs, and crustaceans, some of which they collect by poking around with their bill under the water.

Type: Bird
Where to find: They are found on wetlands and estuaries in coastal areas. Chestnut Teals are now common local breeding residents that are widespread, but they tend to prefer saline wetlands. They are sometimes seen in the Barwon Estuary.
Size: 50cm