The Andean teal is a South American species of duck. Like other teals, it belongs to the diverse genus Anas; more precisely it is one of the "true" teals of subgenus Nettion. It is restricted to the Andean highlands of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. It inhabits freshwater wetlands, preferring palustrine habitat to rivers. It is not considered threatened by the IUCN.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in highland wetlands of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, favoring shallow freshwater marshes, ponds, and small lakes. It is especially associated with páramo and high Andean bogs with dense emergent vegetation. Birds often use gently sloping shores and flooded grasslands for feeding and loafing. Rivers are used less often than still or slow-moving waters. Local movements may track water levels and seasonal availability of wetlands.
Altitude Range
1500–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Andean teal is a high‑elevation dabbling duck of the northern Andes, often found in páramo wetlands and shallow lakes. It is closely related to other “true” teals and is sometimes discussed in relation to the yellow-billed teal complex. Pairs or small groups are typical, and they are generally non-migratory within their montane range. It is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with no major widespread threats currently identified.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups, sometimes gathering in loose flocks on favored lakes. Breeding is presumed seasonally timed to wet periods, with nests concealed in dense grasses or rushes near water. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season, and both adults stay close to cover when disturbed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and unobtrusive: males give thin, high-pitched whistles and piping notes, while females utter a lower, rasping quack. Calls are most frequent during courtship and when birds are flushed from cover.
Plumage
Overall finely mottled and scalloped brown with a speckled breast and flanks; sexes similar with subtle differences in tone. The wing shows a green iridescent speculum bordered by pale bars, most visible in flight. Crown and nape slightly darker with a paler face and throat giving a gentle contrast. Plumage is compact and neat, typical of small dabbling teals.
Diet
Feeds by dabbling and upending in shallow water, taking seeds and leaves of aquatic plants, pondweeds, grasses, and sedges. Also consumes small aquatic invertebrates including insect larvae, crustaceans, and mollusks, especially during breeding when protein needs rise. Forages along muddy margins and among emergent vegetation, occasionally grazing on nearby wet meadows.
Preferred Environment
Shallow marsh edges, pond margins, and flooded páramo meadows with dense rushes and grasses. Often uses sheltered coves and backwaters where fine sediments and plant detritus accumulate.
