common teal, pato slivered
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Pato Aliverde, Anas crecca

Common Teal

Anas Crecca
Pato Aliverde

map of Colombia for the Common teal
bird call or song

Song

Common Teal

The Common Teal (Anas crecca). Read in Spanish

Appearance: Adult male Common Teals (36 cm -14 in) have a distinctive coloration with a chestnut head, green mask, yellowish-buff breast, and a white vertical stripe on their side. They have a dark brown back with a contrasting black tail. Females are less striking, featuring a mottled brown plumage. No white on face. Chestnut head.

Habitat: Common Teals typically inhabit freshwater bodies such as lakes, marshes, ponds, and flooded grasslands. They can also be found in brackish habitats like coastal lagoons and estuaries. In Colombia, they are found in both lowland and highland regions. Up to 2600 m altitude.

Behavior: Common Teals are highly migratory birds, traveling long distances between breeding and wintering areas. They are primarily active during the day and are known for their dabbling behavior—feeding by dipping their head underwater while grazing on aquatic vegetation, small invertebrates, and seeds.

Breeding: These ducks breed in the northern parts of their range. During the breeding season, males perform courtship displays, including raising their head toward the sky, whistling, and performing short flights. Nests are typically built on the ground in vegetation near water, and females lay a clutch of 8-11 eggs.

Conservation Status:  The Common Teal is not considered a species of conservation concern.

Distribution

The Common Teal (Anas crecca) is a migratory species that can be found in various parts of Colombia during its wintering season. Here is a general overview of its distribution within the country:

  1. Coastal Regions: Common Teals can be observed in coastal areas of Colombia, including coastal lagoons, estuaries, and wetlands. These areas provide suitable habitats for the species during its wintering period. Notable locations include the Caribbean coast, such as the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta and the coastal wetlands of La Guajira.
  2. Northern Colombia: The northern regions of Colombia, particularly in the department of La Guajira, serve as important areas for the Common Teal's winter migration. Wetland areas and rivers, such as the Rancheria and Sinú rivers, can be potential sites for observing these ducks.
  3. Eastern Plains: The extensive wetlands found in the eastern plains of Colombia, especially in the Orinoco River basin, can also provide suitable habitats for the Common Teal during its wintering season. Wetland areas like the Hato Corozal and La Primavera National Parks may host populations of Common Teals.
  4. High Andes: Some Common Teals may also be observed in the high Andes region during their winter migration. High-altitude wetlands and lakes, such as those in the páramo ecosystems, may serve as temporary habitats for these ducks.

    The distribution of migratory species, including the Common Teal, can vary from year to year depending on climatic conditions, food availability, and other factors.

Taxonomy

The Common Teal (Anas crecca), belongs to the following taxonomic classification:

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves - Birds
  • Order: Anseriformes - Waterfowl
  • Family: Anatidae - Ducks, Geese, and Swans
  • Genus: Anas - Dabbling Ducks
  • Species: Anas crecca

    The Common Teal is part of a diverse group of waterfowl commonly known as dabbling ducks due to their feeding behavior. It is closely related to other species in the genus Anas, which includes a variety of ducks found worldwide. The taxonomy provides a systematic framework for classifying and organizing living organisms based on their evolutionary relationships, allowing scientists and researchers to study and understand the natural world more effectively.

Vocalization

The Common Teal (Anas crecca) is known for its various vocalizations, used for communication and social interactions.

  1. Male Courtship Call: During the breeding season, male Common Teals emit a distinctive whistle-like call. This call is a high-pitched, accelerating series of notes, often described as a "whew-whew-whew" or "qeet-qeet-qeet" sound. Males use this vocalization to attract females and establish their presence.
  2. Female Calls: Female Common Teals produce a range of calls that vary in pitch and intensity. These can include soft quacks, low chuckles, and grunting sounds. These vocalizations serve as contact calls and may also function in maintaining group cohesion while foraging.
  3. Alarm Calls: When Common Teals sense danger or perceive a threat, they emit an alarm call to alert others in the vicinity. This call is often a rapid series of loud, high-pitched quacking sounds. It serves as a warning to other ducks and helps coordinate a collective response for escaping potential danger.
  4. Social Calls: Common Teal ducks engage in social vocalizations to maintain group cohesion and communicate within their social structure. These calls can include soft contact calls, rhythmic quacking, and a range of other soft vocalizations that allow individuals to stay in contact while foraging or flying in groups.

    The vocalizations of Common Teal ducks can vary in intensity, pitch, and timing depending on the context and individual behavior.
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