The Mascarene teal, also known as the Mauritian duck and Sauzier's teal, is an extinct species of dabbling duck that lived on the Mascarene Islands of Mauritius and Réunion.
Region
Mascarene Islands, western Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to wetlands and freshwater bodies on Mauritius and Réunion. It frequented shallow marshes, ponds, sluggish rivers, and coastal wetlands with dense emergent vegetation. On Réunion it likely also used upland streams and small crater lakes where cover was available. Seasonal water level changes probably concentrated birds in remnant marshes during drier periods. Human alteration of lowland wetlands reduced suitable habitat markedly.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Mauritian duck and Sauzier's teal, the Mascarene teal was an extinct dabbling duck native to Mauritius and Réunion in the Mascarene Islands. It is known from subfossil remains and a few early accounts, suggesting a small, drab brown duck of marshes and lowland wetlands. Overhunting, wetland loss, and introduced predators likely drove its rapid decline after human settlement. The species epithet honors Louis Théodore Sauzier, who collected important fossil material on Mauritius.
The related Madagascar teal
Illustration of a Dutch farm on Mauritius from 1670, which may show two Mascarene teals towards the top middle of the small, left stream
Life restoration of two Mascarene teals (lower right) and Réunion sheldgeese (left) by Julian P. Hume
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Presumed to occur in pairs or small groups, especially outside the breeding season. Likely nested on the ground in dense vegetation near water, as in related Anas ducks. Parental care would have involved the female leading downy young to foraging sites soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations were probably similar to other teals: females giving low quacks and males producing softer whistles or nasal notes. Calls likely served for contact in dense marsh cover and for pair bonding.
