The brown teal is a species of dabbling duck of the genus Anas native to New Zealand. For many years it had been considered to be conspecific with the flightless Auckland and Campbell teals in Anas aucklandica; the name "brown teal" has also been largely applied to that entire taxon. Common in the early years of European colonisation, the "brown duck" was heavily harvested as a food source. Its numbers quickly fell, especially in the South Island, and in 1921 they became fully protected. Captive breeding and releasing into predator-controlled areas has seen good localised populations re-introduced around the country in recent years.
Region
New Zealand
Typical Environment
Today concentrated in predator-managed sites in Northland, Aotea/Great Barrier Island, and selected sanctuaries and offshore islands, with scattered reintroductions elsewhere. It occupies lowland wetlands, coastal lagoons, tidal creeks, and slow-flowing streams with dense bankside cover. Birds roost in rushes, flax, or shrub thickets by day and move to open shallows, mudflats, and flooded pasture at night to feed. Brackish and freshwater habitats are both used, provided there is abundant invertebrate prey and safe cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as pāteke, the brown teal is New Zealand’s only surviving mainland teal, now recovering thanks to intensive predator control and translocations. Mostly crepuscular to nocturnal, it often feeds on estuarine mudflats after dark and rests hidden in dense vegetation by day. It was once widespread across both main islands but declined sharply due to hunting and introduced predators. Conservation breeding and releases have re-established local populations in several protected sites.
Chick
Brown Teal (Anas chlorotis) feeding
Temperament
wary and mostly crepuscular-nocturnal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Typically forms long-term pairs and defends small home ranges, especially around preferred feeding sites. Nests are concealed in dense vegetation close to water and lined with down. Outside breeding, small loose groups may gather at rich feeding areas, but large flocks are uncommon on the mainland.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Males give soft, whistling notes and trills, often at night or during courtship. Females produce a harsher, repeated quack used in contact and alarm calls. Vocalizations are most frequent around dusk and dawn.
