Andean teal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Andean teal |
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| Andean teal on the shores of Laguna la Magdalena, Sangay NP, Ecuador | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Anas
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| Species: |
andium
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| Subspecies | |
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2, see text |
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| Synonyms | |
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Anas flavirostris andium |
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The Andean teal (Anas andium) is a type of duck that lives in South America. Like other teals, it belongs to a large group of ducks called Anas. This duck lives only in the high Andean mountains of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
It likes to live in freshwater wetlands, which are like marshy areas or swamps. It prefers these calm, wet places over fast-flowing rivers. The Andean teal is not considered to be in danger of extinction by the IUCN.
Contents
About the Andean Teal
The Andean teal is a small duck. It is known for living in high-altitude areas. These ducks are often seen in pairs or small groups. They feed on small plants and insects found in their wetland homes.
Where They Live
Andean teals are found in the Andes Mountains. This mountain range stretches across several South American countries.
- They live in the mountains of Colombia.
- They are also found in the highlands of Venezuela.
- Their home extends into the high areas of Ecuador.
These ducks prefer calm, freshwater areas. This includes lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. They need these habitats to find food and raise their young.
Scientific Classification
Scientists group living things into categories. This helps us understand how different species are related. This system is called taxonomy.
The Andean teal is part of the Anas genus. This group includes many different types of ducks. Scientists have studied the DNA of the Andean teal. Its DNA is quite similar to the green-winged teal, even though they look different.
Subspecies of Andean Teal
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the Andean teal:
- Mérida teal (Anas andium altipetens): This subspecies lives in the highlands of northwestern Venezuela. It also lives in nearby parts of Colombia. It was first described by Henry Boardman Conover in 1941.
- Nominate Andean teal (Anas andium andium): This subspecies is found in the highlands of Colombia and Ecuador. It was first described by Philip Sclater and Osbert Salvin in 1873.
Relationship to Yellow-billed Teal
Sometimes, the Andean teal and the yellow-billed teal were thought to be the same species. They were called the speckled teal. However, most scientists now agree they are two different species. When they are considered separate, the name A. flavirostris is only used for the yellow-billed teal.
See also
In Spanish: Cerceta barcina para niños
