free flash templates on free flash templates

Eurasian Teal

Scientific Name: Anas crecca
Maltese Name: Sarsella
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Occurence: Regular
Breeds in Malta: No

Overview:
The smallest and most agile of all the dabbling ducks. The male teal is a lovely duck, it has a dark brown head with a broad green stripe and a dark bill. The males body is speckled grey with a white stripe along its body while the females body is duller brown. In all plumages, when the teal flies it reveals a green and black hindwing patch. The male has a ringing bell-like call, while the female has a normal quack call. Teals feed on all sort of small aquatic life they may find either on the water's edge, surface or while dabbling.

Status:
Common Migrant, mostly seen in small numbers spending some time at the reserves. In Autumn sometimes seen in small migrating flocks.

When to See:
Spring, Autumn and Winter.

Where to See:
Simar and Ghadira Nature Reserves. Sometimes seen in small flocks offshore.

Photographs:

Male Teal, Simar Nature Reserve


Female Teal, Ghadira Nature Reserve


Female Teals, Simar Nature Reserve Male Teal, Simar Nature Reserve


Female Teals in flight, Ghadira Nature Reserve


Female Teals, Simar Nature Reserve


Back to Bird Species List