Fun Eurasian Teal Facts Facts For Kids

Known by several names such as the common teal and Eurasian green winged teal, the Eurasian teal (Anas crecca) is found in several countries of Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America.

During the breeding season, the Common teal is spotted in several countries of the Palearctic realm. A huge population of the species is found on the northern shores of the Black Sea and the southern coast of Iceland.

While in winters, the birds are found in several countries of Europe, Africa, and Asia such as India, Japan, Malaysia, and also in a few states of the United States such as California and South Carolina.

These surviving dabbling ducks possess a gray plumage while the head and neck are dark browns in color. The flight feathers are dark grey while the speculum feathers are iridescent or shiny blackish green in color with white tips.

They also have an unusual glimmering dark green strip starting from the eye. The average weight and the length of the species are 0.7-0.79 lb (320-360 g) and 13-17 in (34-43 cm) respectively.

The common teal primarily dwells in lakes, pools, lagoons, marshes, wetlands with tall vegetation, and saline lagoons. Also, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared the species Least Concern.

Let's read more interesting facts about the Eurasian teal and if you found this article insightful, don't forget to check out these exciting carrion crow facts and canyon wren facts. 
 

Eurasian Teal Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a Eurasian teal?

The Eurasian teal (Anas crecca) is the smallest surviving dabbling duck. The species is often called the Eurasian green winged teal and common teal.

What class of animal does a Eurasian teal belong to?

The common teal belongs to the class of Aves, the family Anatidae, and the Anas genus.

How many Eurasian teals are there in the world?

Eurasian teals are widely distributed to several parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Several surveys reveal that more than 1,000,000 birds are recorded in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and several regions of Western Europe, while more than 110,000 Eurasian teals are seen in Japan as well.

A study of 1990-91 suggests that around 37,000 teals in India, 210,000 in Iran, 109,000 in Pakistan, 12,000 in Taiwan, and 28,000 in Israel were found during the winter season.

Where does a Eurasian teal live?

The Eurasian teal is found in several countries of Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. During the breeding season, the common teal is spotted in several countries of the Palearctic realm.

While in winters, the birds are found in several countries of Europe, Africa, and Asia such as India, Japan, Malaysia, and also in a few states of the United States such as California and South Carolina.

What is a Eurasian teal's habitat?

The common teal primarily dwells in lakes, pools, lagoons, marshes, and wetlands with tall vegetation. During the winter season, the saline lagoons also serve as the Eurasian teal habitat.

Who do Eurasian teals live with?

Common teals are highly gregarious outside the breeding season. These birds are often found in large flocks. During the breeding, the teals prefer to remain active during the daytime while they turn nocturnal or crepuscular in the winter season.

How long does a Eurasian teal live?

The exact average lifespan of these dabbling ducks is not known but it is believed that these birds generally live for more than 26-27 years.

How do they reproduce?

Teal birds follow the monogamy system of breeding, which means the male mates with a single common teal female and the breeding season generally occurs during the spring. Also, the teal changes its eating habits during this period.

Teal birds generally construct the nests in dense vegetation near water. The incubation period lasts for around 21-23 days and the female Eurasian teal or duck generally lays around 5-16 eggs.

The male teal or drake generally meet their offsprings or ducklings in the winter season. Also, soon after hatching, the offsprings leave their nests and are guarded by ducks for a few weeks.

What is their conservation status?

The teal is not considered a threatened bird, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared the species as Least Concern as well. Also, loss of habitat, human interference in the form of hunting, and diseases have emerged as the major threats to the teal.

Eurasian Teal Fun Facts

What do Eurasian teals look like?

These beautiful Eurasian green winged teals possess grey plumage while the head and neck are dark brown in color. Unlike the ducks, the drakes have a horizontal white stripe along the back. Also, the bill of drakes is dark gray in color. They also have an unusual glimmering dark green strip starting from the eye.

How cute are they?

Unlike other aquatic birds, the Eurasian green winged teals have several qualities that make the species more adorable. These birds usually chirp or make sounds if they like you. Also, the protective nature of ducks towards their newly born ducklings is so sweet.

How do they communicate?

These teals follow the same methods while communicating with each other. Eurasian teals are also regarded as a noisy species, the drakes primarily whistle while the voice of ducks is very delicate and soothing, ducks generally quack. During the breeding season, these birds usually use body movements to attract a partner.

How big is a Eurasian Teal?

The average weight and the length of this species is 0.7-0.79 lb (320-360 g) and 13-17 in (34-43 cm) respectively. Some of them are slightly larger than the blue tailed tails. Also, Eurasian teals are thrice the size of the African pygmy goose.

How fast can a Eurasian teal fly?

The size of the wings is quite long which helps the bird to reach the maximum speed of 60.2 mph (97 kph).

How much does a Eurasian teal weigh?

The average weight of this bird is 0.7-0.79 lb (320-360 g).

What are the male and female names of the species?

Male Eurasian teals are known as drakes while the term duck is used to refer to the female bird. Also, males are slightly larger in size compared to the females.

What would you call a baby Eurasian teal?

People generally call them ducklings.

What do they eat?

Birds are omnivores and primarily prey on aquatic invertebrates such as shrimp and snail, plants, seeds, and grains.

Are they dangerous?

Generally, birds are not considered dangerous to humans but they can attack if they feel threatened or someone tries to grab their ducklings.

Would they make a good pet?

Unlike most birds, European teals are quite friendly and easy to tame. But proper space and environment should be provided to these birds, also it is advised not to keep them in aviaries or closed spaces as they can die of loneliness or stress of confinement.

Did you know...

Unlike the Eurasian teal, the cinnamon teal is widely distributed in several countries of North and South America.

The smallest species of dabbling ducks found in North America is the green winged teal.

The Eurasian teal in Hindi is known as aam teal.

Teal ducks often dive to protect themselves from predators.

What is the difference between a duck and a teal?

Teal is a group that consists of around 18 small- ized freshwater ducks found throughout the world, while the duck is an aquatic bird. Also, females are also referred to as ducks.

Eurasian teal vs green winged teal

The plumage of Eurasian teal has a horizontal white scapular stripe and a white bar at the breast sides while they lack a vertical white stripe. Green winged teals possess a vertical white stripe on the side of the breast.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these water myna bird facts and long tailed tit facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable eurasian teal coloring pages.