The Common Teal (Anas crecca), often simply referred to as the Teal, is one of the most widespread and smallest dabbling ducks in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a migratory bird that inhabits freshwater wetlands, marshes, and coastal lagoons. This article provides a detailed zoological perspective on the species, with a special focus on its presence in the Sundarban ecosystem.
The Common Teal belongs to the genus Anas, which includes many species of dabbling ducks. It is closely related to the Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis), which was once considered a subspecies but is now recognized as a distinct species.
The Common Teal is one of the smallest ducks in the Anatidae family, displaying distinct sexual dimorphism in plumage.
The Common Teal has a Palearctic range, breeding in the northern parts of Europe and Asia, and wintering in southern Europe, Africa, and South Asia. It is highly migratory and often forms large flocks in wintering grounds.
The Sundarban, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a unique mangrove ecosystem that provides an ideal wintering habitat for migratory birds, including the Common Teal. Several factors make Sundarban a suitable habitat for this species:
Abundance of Shallow Waterbodies:
Rich Aquatic Biodiversity:
Safe Roosting Sites:
Winter Visitor (November to March):
Departure (April):
While the Common Teal is listed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, its population in Sundarban is indirectly affected by:
Habitat Degradation:
Poaching and Hunting:
Disturbances from Human Activities:
The Common Teal (Anas crecca) is a fascinating small dabbling duck with a wide distribution across the Northern Hemisphere. Its presence in the Sundarban highlights the region’s importance as a critical wintering ground for migratory birds. While it is currently not threatened, conservation efforts must focus on preserving wetland habitats to ensure that this species continues to thrive in its migratory range.
✅ Common Teal is a small migratory duck that breeds in Europe and Asia and winters in South Asia, including Sundarban.
✅ It prefers shallow wetlands, where it feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates.
✅ Sundarban provides an ideal wintering habitat due to its wetlands, tidal creeks, and abundant food resources.
✅ Conservation efforts are essential to protect its habitat from climate change and human disturbances.
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Check out this Wikipedia page for further reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_teal
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