The silver teal or versicolor teal is a species of dabbling duck in the genus Spatula. It breeds in South America.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Breeds and occurs from central Peru and Bolivia through Paraguay, southern Brazil, Uruguay, and much of Argentina and Chile, reaching south to Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. Occupies shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, slow rivers, and vegetated lagoons with abundant emergent plants. It also uses brackish wetlands and estuarine margins when available. Nests are typically concealed in dense reeds or grasses near water, often on small islands or in thick shoreline cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the versicolor teal, this dabbling duck shows a striking emerald-green speculum edged in white and a pale face offset by a dark cap. Sexes are similar, though females are slightly duller and give the classic quack while males whistle. Southern populations move north in winter, and small groups often mix with other teals on shallow wetlands.
Anas versicolor - MHNT
Temperament
wary but social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, sometimes forming larger groups outside the breeding season. Monogamous pairs nest in dense vegetation near water, with the female incubating while the male remains nearby. Clutches are moderate in size and ducklings feed themselves soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Males give soft, whistled notes, especially during courtship displays. Females produce a harsher, descending quack series used in contact and alarm calls.
Plumage
Finely vermiculated grey-brown body with a pale buff face and throat, contrasting blackish cap and nape, and an iridescent green speculum bordered white. Tail and undertail show warm buff tones.
Diet
Feeds mainly by dabbling and up-ending for seeds, leaves, and stems of aquatic plants such as pondweeds and grasses. Also takes aquatic invertebrates including insect larvae, snails, and small crustaceans, especially in the breeding season. Forages along vegetated margins and in shallow open water.
Preferred Environment
Shallow, calm waters with abundant emergent vegetation like reeds and sedges. Frequently uses flooded meadows, backwaters, and sheltered lagoon edges.
