Silver Teal

Features a striking black cap extending below the eyes contrasting sharply with creamy-white cheeks and throat. The upper parts and flanks are finely barred with brown, grey, and buff, and it has a distinctive blue bill with a yellow tip. Sexes are similar, though females may be slightly duller.

Distinctive black crown contrasting sharply with white cheeks, and a bright blue bill with a yellow nail at the tip.

Length: 38-45 cm (15-18 inches); Weight: 350-550 grams (0.77-1.2 lbs).

Quiet whistles and soft, low quacks typical of small dabbling ducks.

Omnivorous, feeding on seeds, aquatic plants, roots, algae, and small aquatic invertebrates by dabbling and occasionally tipping up.

Shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, flooded grasslands, and slow-moving rivers, usually with abundant emergent vegetation.

Mostly resident, though some populations in the southern part of its range undertake partial seasonal movements northward during the harsher winter months.

Nests on the ground hidden in dense vegetation near water. Lays a clutch of 5 to 8 creamy-white eggs, incubated solely by the female for about 24 to 26 days.

Puna Teal (Spatula puna), which is found further north in the Andes and has a more extensive pale area on the face and a slightly different bill coloration.

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants and helps regulate invertebrate and small aquatic organism populations.

Least Concern, with a stable global population.

Best observed in shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, and lakes within South America, or in specialized waterfowl collections worldwide. Approach quietly as they can be easily spooked by sudden movements.

Also known as the Versicolor Teal, this species is frequently kept in captivity by waterfowl enthusiasts due to its striking and unusual facial pattern.