RINGED TEAL

Callonetta leucophyrs

Bird

Order Anseriformes

Description

Height 1 to 1.25 ft. Weight approximately 0.5 pounds.

Range

Found in South America in Bolivia and Southern Brazil to northern Argentina and Uraguay.

Status

Not globally threatened, little known on status, although seems locally abundant in certain areas.


Photo by Greg Neise

 

Ecology

Habitat
Tropical swampy forests and marshy clearing in well-wooded lowlands; also on secluded pools and small streams.
 
Niche
Diurnal. Primarily eats vegetarian diet consisting of seeds and other small items.

Life History

Breeding season unknown, suspected to start in late summer. Live in single pairs. Nest in tree hollows or stick nests of other birds. Lay 6-12 eggs. Incubation lasts 26-28 days.

Special Adaptations

  • Forages by picking from surface and head dipping while swimming.
  • White oval mark on wings hidden when animal is at rest.
  • Chicks have dark grayish down above, pale buffish down below as camouflage.