Factfile
Where they live
Australia
Habitat
coastal wetlands and estuaries.
Size
length 35-46cm
Weight
600-700g
Lifespan
10 years
Threats
recreational hunting and habitat loss
Did you know...
- The quack of the chestnut teal sounds like a laugh
More about chestnut teals...
The chestnut teal is an Australian dabbling duck which inhabits coastal wetlands and estuaries where it feeds on insects, molluscs and crustaceans as well as water plants and seeds. They feed at the waters edge as the tide rises and also sometimes dabble for food.
Chestnut teal form monogamous pairs which stay together outside of the breeding season. Both duck and drake will select and defend their nest site and the male stays with the female while she incubates the 7-10 eggs for upwards of 28 days. The nest is often built above water in tree hollows or on the ground amongst clumps of grass. It is lined with down.
The chestnut teal is classed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but still has several threats. As with many aquatic birds habitat destruction is a problem, with a dramatic reduction in the availability of suitable nesting and feeding sites. They are also hunted as food, for sport and for the pet trade, which is having an effect on their wild numbers
