Factfile
Where they live
breeds in eastern Siberia and winters in Japan, South Korea and mainland China
Habitat
open tussock meadows, bogs, and stands of willow and larch close to water
Size
length 39-43cm
Weight
approx 450g
Lifespan
20-30 years
Threats
Habitat loss & hunting
Did you know...
- It is also known as the squawk duck
- Like all dabbling ducks the Baikal teal feeds in the heads down, tails up position
More about Baikal teals...
Also known as the Formosa teal, Spectacled teal or Bimaculate duck, it is a medium-sized dabbling duck that breeds in eastern Russia and winters in East Asia.
It inhabits marshes and lakes, forest streams and tundra rivers during the breeding season where it feeds on aquatic plants, algae and aquatic snails.
In the winter it is found in a range of freshwater and brackish habitats often foraging at night for seeds and grain.
It nests from May to June depending on the latitude at which it lives; the further north the later it breeds. 8-10 eggs are normally laid and these hatch after an incubation period of 25 days. The young ducklings lose their down and are fully fledged by 25-30 days.
