Marbled Teal
Scientific Name: Marmoronetta angustirostrisMaltese Name: Sarsella Mnaqqxa
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Occurence: Vagrant
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Marbled Teal, or Marbled Duck, is a medium-sized duck. It used to be included among the dabbling ducks, but is now classed as a diving duck. This duck formerly bred in large numbers in the Mediterranean region, but is now restricted to a few sites in southern Spain and northwest Africa. Adults are a pale sandy-brown colour, diffusely blotched off-white, with a dark eye-patch and shaggy head. In flight, the wings look pale without a marked pattern, and no speculum on the secondaries. These birds feed mainly in shallow water by dabbling or up-ending, occasionally diving.
Status:
Vagrant to the Maltese Islands, recorded only 6 times. The latest recorded was on May 9th 2009 when 3 birds were seen by a few birdwatchers at Salina Saltpans. Before that, in December 2004, 3 Marbled Teals were seen at Ghadira Nature Reserve.
When to See:
Mostly recorded in Spring. 1 Record in Summer and 1 Record in Winter.
Where to See:
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Photographs:
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| Marbled Teals, Ghadira Nature Reserve, 17th December 2004 | Marbled Teals, Salina Saltpans, 9th May 2009 |
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