How to identify the Eurasian Teal

To correctly identify the Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

34-38 cm (13-15 in)

Wingspan

53-59 cm (21-23 in)

Weight

200-450 g (7.1-15.9 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Males in breeding plumage have a chestnut head with a broad, iridescent green patch extending from the eye to the nape, bordered by a thin creamy-white line. The breast is buff with dark spots, flanks are grey with a white horizontal stripe, and the back is grey with fine vermiculations. A prominent white stripe runs along the scapulars. The undertail coverts are yellow, bordered by black. Females are mottled brown and buff overall, with a darker crown and eye-stripe. Both sexes have a metallic green speculum, bordered by white, visible in flight and at rest.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Small, dark grey to black, spatulate bill, typical of dabbling ducks.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Greyish-green to dark grey.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Small size, iridescent green speculum bordered by white, and the male's distinctive head pattern. The yellow undertail patch of the male is also a key field mark.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally duller, with less distinct markings and often more streaking on the underparts. The speculum is less vibrant.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   Males undergo an eclipse plumage from late summer to early autumn, resembling females but often retaining some hints of their breeding plumage, such as a darker head and a less distinct green eye-patch. They regain their full breeding plumage by late autumn/early winter.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Pronounced. Males are much more brightly colored, especially during breeding season, with distinctive head markings. Females are cryptically patterned in mottled browns.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Look for a very small, compact dabbling duck with a relatively short neck and small bill. It's noticeably smaller than a Mallard.
• Male Breeding Plumage. The most striking feature is the chestnut head with the iridescent green eye-patch bordered by a thin creamy-white line. The yellow undertail patch bordered by black is also diagnostic.
• Female Plumage. Mottled brown overall. Look for the small size, dark eye-stripe, and especially the metallic green speculum (wing patch) bordered by white, which is visible both in flight and when the bird is resting with wings folded.
• Flight. Observe its rapid, agile flight, often in tight flocks. The green speculum is very prominent in flight.
• Vocalization. Listen for the male's distinctive, high-pitched 'krick-krick' call, which is often the first clue to its presence.

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