Brazilian Teal

Appearance: The Brazilian Teal is a small-sized duck (41 cm - 16 in), with males and females displaying sexual dimorphism. Males have a rich chestnut-colored head and neck, contrasting with a glossy dark green body. Pale cheeks. They have a distinctive white crescent-shaped mark on their face. Raspberry red bill and feet. Females have a brownish plumage with paler underparts and a mottled pattern. Both sexes have a bright reddish-brown eye and a gray to dusky bill.

Habitat: Brazilian Teals inhabit a variety of freshwater wetland habitats, including rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, marshes, and flooded grasslands. They prefer areas with emergent vegetation that provide cover and nesting sites. In Colombia, they can be found in different regions with suitable habitats, including along river systems and wetland complexes up to 500 m.

Behavior: This species is known for its active and social behavior. Brazilian Teals typically forage in shallow water, where they feed on a variety of aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates, and small aquatic organisms. They may also graze on land, consuming grasses and agricultural crops. They often form small groups or pairs, and their flight is typically low and swift.

Breeding: Breeding periods can vary across their range, including in Colombia. Brazilian Teals often form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. The female builds a nest on the ground, concealed within vegetation. She lays a clutch of 8-10 eggs, which she incubates for about a month. After hatching, the young ducklings are precocial and follow their parents to find food and learn survival skills.

Conservation Status: The Brazilian Teal is generally considered a species of least concern in terms of global conservation status.