The Andaman teal is a species of duck endemic to the Andaman archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. The species was formerly considered as a subspecies of the Sunda teal.
Region
Bay of Bengal
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout suitable wetlands of the Andaman Islands, especially mangrove-fringed creeks, brackish lagoons, and sheltered coastal inlets. It also uses freshwater ponds, forest swamps, and flooded rice fields. Birds often roost quietly in dense mangrove or shoreline vegetation by day, emerging to feed in shallow waters at night. Nesting typically occurs close to water, where cover is thick and disturbance is low.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Andaman teal is a small duck restricted to the Andaman archipelago in the Bay of Bengal and was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Sunda teal. It frequents mangroves, creeks, and rice paddies, often feeding at dusk and during the night. Its whitish throat and face help distinguish it from related teals, and it shows a dark green speculum in flight.
Andaman Teals gather at Ograbraj wetlands
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small groups, forming larger flocks outside the breeding season. Breeding pairs nest close to water in dense cover, often on the ground among mangroves or grasses. Clutches are tended by the female, while the male remains nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include soft quacks and low whistles, especially at night from feeding areas. Females give harsher quacks, while males produce softer, more whistled notes typical of dabbling ducks.
Plumage
Warm brown, finely mottled body with darker scapulars and pale-edged feathers; contrasting whitish throat and pale face; dark crown and nape; glossy green speculum with pale borders.
Diet
Feeds on seeds and shoots of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants, including rice when available. Also takes aquatic invertebrates such as insects, mollusks, and small crustaceans, gleaned or dabbed from the water surface and mud. Will occasionally filter-feed in shallow water and graze along muddy margins.
Preferred Environment
Shallow, sheltered wetlands with abundant emergent vegetation, such as mangroves, lagoons, and rice paddies. Often forages along muddy edges and in flooded fields where cover is nearby.
