Bernier's teal, also known as the Madagascar teal, is a species of duck in the genus Anas. It is endemic to Madagascar, where it is found only along the west coast. Part of the "grey teal" complex found throughout Australasia, it is most closely related to the Andaman teal.
Region
Western Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs along the west coast of Madagascar in brackish and coastal wetlands, especially mangrove-lined estuaries, tidal creeks, and sheltered lagoons. It frequents shallow pools and mudflats exposed at low tide, as well as back-mangrove marshes and saline ponds. The species avoids deep open water, preferring sheltered, calm surfaces where it can dabble and sift. It may occasionally use nearby rice fields and seasonally flooded grasslands. Nesting sites are typically concealed in dense vegetation near water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Madagascar teal, this small dabbling duck is confined to the mangrove-fringed west coast of Madagascar. It belongs to the “grey teal” complex and is closely related to the Andaman teal. It is a specialist of shallow, brackish wetlands and is threatened primarily by mangrove loss and hunting disturbance. Sexes are similar and the plumage is notably subtle compared with many other teals.
At Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park, North Carolina
Temperament
wary and shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups; larger aggregations may form at favored feeding or roosting sites. Breeding occurs during the wet season, with nests hidden in dense mangrove or adjacent marsh vegetation. Pair bonds are monogamous at least through the breeding cycle, and adults lead broods to shallow feeding areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; soft quacks and nasal calls are typical. Males give thin whistles during courtship, while contact calls are subdued and carry poorly over distance.
Plumage
Overall warm brown and finely mottled with buff speckling, slightly paler on the underparts; minimal sexual dimorphism.
Diet
Feeds by dabbling and sifting for small aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans, insect larvae, and mollusks, along with seeds and other plant matter. It picks from the surface and probes soft mud at the edge of tidal creeks and pools. Lamellae along the bill help filter fine food particles from shallow water. Opportunistic feeding increases after tides expose mudflats.
Preferred Environment
Shallow brackish pools, mangrove margins, and sheltered estuarine backwaters. It also uses intertidal mudflats at low tide and occasionally flooded rice fields near the coast.
