Where does the Eurasian Teal live?

The Eurasian Teal lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.

Biomes

Wetlands, marshes, shallow lakes, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, coastal lagoons, and flooded grasslands.

Geographic range

Widespread across the Palearctic, breeding from Iceland and Western Europe across northern Asia to the Pacific. Winters in Western and Southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Preferred environments

Shallow freshwater or brackish wetlands with dense emergent vegetation for cover and abundant aquatic invertebrates and seeds. Prefers areas with muddy edges for dabbling.

Elevation range

Primarily lowlands, but can be found at moderate elevations in suitable wetland habitats.

Where to look

Field tips

1. Scan the edges of water bodies. Teal often feed in the shallows, close to cover. Use binoculars to scan vegetated edges.
2. Listen for calls. The male's 'krick-krick' call is very distinctive and can help locate hidden birds.
3. Observe flight patterns. Their fast, erratic flight is characteristic. Look for small, rapidly moving flocks.
4. Visit during migration. Spring and autumn migration periods offer the best chances to see large numbers, especially at traditional staging areas.

Migration

Strongly migratory across most of its range. Northern populations move south for the winter, often covering long distances. Southern populations may be resident or undertake shorter movements. Arrives at breeding grounds in early spring and departs for wintering grounds in late summer/early autumn.

Explore the Eurasian Teal