Brazilian Teal
Amazonetta brasiliensis
Pato Brasileño
Song
Brazilian Teal
The Brazilian Teal (Amazonetta brasiliensis). Read in Spanish
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.
Distribution
The Brazilian Teal (Amazonetta brasiliensis) has a relatively wide distribution across South America, including various regions of Colombia. In Colombia, the Brazilian Teal can be found in several different habitats throughout the country. While it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of specific locations, here are some general regions where the Brazilian Teal can be observed in Colombia:
Orinoco River Basin: The Brazilian Teal is known to inhabit wetland areas and rivers within the Orinoco River Basin, including regions such as Vichada, Meta, Casanare, and Arauca.
Amazon Basin: The Brazilian Teal is also present in the Amazon Basin within Colombia, specifically in regions such as Vaupés, Guainía, Guaviare, and Amazonas.
Eastern Plains: The wetland complexes and rivers in the eastern plains of Colombia, particularly areas in the departments of Casanare, Meta, and Vichada, are home to populations of the Brazilian Teal.
Coastal Wetlands: Along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, including areas such as La Guajira, Cesar, and Bolivar, there are coastal wetlands and lagoons where the Brazilian Teal can be found.
Magdalena River Basin: The Brazilian Teal has been reported in wetlands and rivers throughout the Magdalena River Basin in Colombia, including regions like Huila, Tolima, and Cundinamarca.
The distribution of the Brazilian Teal in Colombia can vary within these regions, and the species' presence may be influenced by factors such as local habitat availability, seasonality, and population dynamics.
Taxonomy
The Brazilian Teal, scientifically known as Amazonetta brasiliensis, belongs to the following taxonomic classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Anseriformes (Waterfowl)
- Family: Anatidae (Ducks, geese, and swans)
- Genus: Amazonetta
Species: Amazonetta brasiliensis
Taxonomy provides a system for classifying and categorizing organisms based on their evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics. The taxonomic hierarchy helps to organize and study biodiversity, allowing scientists to understand the relationships between different species and their evolutionary history.
Vocalization
The Brazilian Teal (Amazonetta brasiliensis) has a repertoire of vocalizations used for various communicative purposes. Here are some of the common vocalizations associated with this species:
- Whistling Calls: The Brazilian Teal is known for its distinctive whistling calls. These calls are often soft and high-pitched, resembling a series of clear, melodious whistles. Individuals may produce these calls both during flight and while on the water.
- Contact Calls: Brazilian Teals utilize contact calls to maintain contact with their flock members. These calls are characterized by short, sharp notes or chattering sounds. They help to keep the group together and coordinate their movements.
- Alarm Calls: When threatened or alarmed, Brazilian Teals emit a rapid series of loud, repeated quacking or harsh notes. These alarm calls serve to alert other individuals in the vicinity to the potential danger.
- Courtship Calls: During the breeding season, male Brazilian Teals produce specific vocalizations as part of their courtship displays. These calls can include low rattling or croaking sounds combined with soft whistles to attract females and establish their territory.
The specific vocalizations may vary slightly between individuals and populations. Additionally, the vocal repertoire of the Brazilian Teal can be influenced by environmental factors, social context, and individual variation. Listening to recordings or observing the behavior of Brazilian Teals in their natural habitats can provide further insights into their vocalizations.
