Grey Teal

About the Grey Teal

The grey teal (Anas gracilis) is a dabbling duck found in open wetlands in Australia and New Zealand. It is identified by the presence of a crimson coloured iris in its eyes, which is relatively more prominent in adult males.

It is a mottled brown duck with white and green flashes on its wings. Males and females share the same colouration, in contrast to the related chestnut teal, male and female of which are strikingly different. The grey teal has almost identical colouration to the female chestnut teal and the grey can only be distinguished by its lighter coloured neck and paler face. Juveniles are paler than adults, especially on the head. However, they can be identified by having a dull brown eye until matured. The bill of the grey teal is a blue-grey colour with dark lining around the edges. Feet are a similar colour to that of the bill being grey. The head of the grey teal can be described as plain/slightly streaked, with a dark crown and cream coloured chin/throat and cheeks.

The eggs of the grey teal are creamy white and are not distinctly speckled. An average egg is 49.3 mm (1.94 in) in length and 35.6 mm (1.40 in) in width. The grey teal nests near its favoured... Wikipedia →