Eurasian Teal
Scientific Name: Anas creccaMaltese 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:
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| Male Teal, Simar Nature Reserve |
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| Female Teal, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Female Teals, Simar Nature Reserve | Male Teal, Simar Nature Reserve |
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| Female Teals in flight, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Female Teals, Simar Nature Reserve |
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