The Campbell teal or Campbell Island teal is a small, flightless, nocturnal species of dabbling duck of the genus Anas endemic to the Campbell Island group of New Zealand. It is sometimes considered conspecific with the brown teal. The plumage is similar to that of the Auckland teal, dark sepia with the head and back tinged with green iridescence, and a chestnut breast on the male, with the female dark brown all over. Its natural habitat is tussock grassland dominated by Poa tussock grass, ferns and megaherbs. The species also uses the burrows and pathways of petrel species that nest on the islands. They are apparently territorial in the wild, and probably feed on amphipods and insects. The IUCN classifies it as vulnerable.
Region
New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
Typical Environment
This species is confined to the Campbell Island group, occupying coastal and low upland tussock grasslands interspersed with ferns and megaherbs. It frequents damp areas, freshwater seepages, and sheltered shorelines where invertebrates are abundant. The teal often uses the burrows and runways of nesting petrels to move and hide during the day. After dark it forages along kelp wrack lines, wet meadows, and shallow pools.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Campbell teal is a small, flightless, and largely nocturnal dabbling duck endemic to the Campbell Island group of New Zealand. Once thought extinct, it was rediscovered on tiny Dent Island and later reintroduced to Campbell Island after rat eradication. Males show a subtle green sheen on the head and a chestnut-tinged breast, while females are darker overall. It often shelters and moves through petrel burrows and pathways to avoid predators and harsh weather.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
flightless; relies on running and short fluttering hops
Social Behavior
Typically found alone or in pairs, holding small territories in dense tussock or along sheltered shorelines. Pairs are likely monogamous, nesting under cover in grass tussocks or among petrel burrows. Clutches are small and the male often guards nearby while the female incubates.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are quiet and mostly given at night: soft piping whistles from males and harsher rasping notes from females. Contact calls are subdued, aiding communication at close range without attracting predators.
