Common Teal Anas crecca
Male Teal, Trimley Marshes, Suffolk, England, March 2005 - click for larger image The Teal is found in North America subspecies Anas crecca carolinensis) and Europe, Asia and Africa (A. c. crecca). It is partly migratory but in most of Europe it is resident all year. Photo 8 shows a flock at Al Ain oasis in Abu Dhabi in early March on migration northwards.

It is a dabbling duck and one of the most abundant with about 7 million in North America, and over 1 million in Europe.

Male and female Teal, Minsmere, Suffolk, England, March 2005 - click for larger image It is also the smallest duck and, when flying in dense flock formation, it looks almost like a wader. In flight, it shows a broad white wing-bar and a glossy green speculum.

In breeding plumage (photos 1 and 2, the male has a chestnut head with green sides surrounded by a thin yellow line. In eclipse plumage (photos 5 and 6), the males look very like the females.

Teal, Musselburgh, Scotland, November 2002 - click for larger image
Teal, Musselburgh, Scotland, November 2002 - click for larger image
Eclipse Teal, Levington Lagoon, Suffolk, September 2005 - click for larger image
Eclipse Teal, Levington Lagoon, Suffolk, September 2005 - click for larger image
Female Teal, Lackford Lakes, Suffolk, September 2009 - click for larger image
Teal, Al Ain Oasis, Abu Dhabi, May 2010 - click for larger image
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