Ringed teal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ringed teal |
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| Male ringed teal | |
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| Female ringed teal | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Callonetta
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| Species: |
leucophrys
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The ringed teal (Callonetta leucophrys) is a small, colorful duck. It lives in the forests of South America. This duck is the only species in its group, called Callonetta. Scientists usually place it with "dabbling ducks." However, it might be more closely related to "shelducks." Its closest family member could be the maned duck.
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About the Ringed Teal
Ringed teals are special because both males and females stay colorful all year. They do not lose their bright feathers during certain seasons.
What Do They Look Like?
The male ringed teal, called a drake, has a rich brown back. Its sides are light gray, and its chest is a salmon color with black spots. A black stripe runs from the top of its head down to its neck.
Female ringed teals have an olive-brown back. Their heads have white blotches and stripes. Their chest and belly have thin, pencil-like stripes. Both males and females have a dark tail and a light-colored rump. They also have a clear white patch on their wing. Their beaks are gray, and their legs and feet are pink.
Unique Features
These ducks are about 14 to 15 inches (35-38 cm) long. Their wings can spread about 28 inches (71 cm) wide. They usually weigh around 11 to 12 ounces (310-340 grams). Ringed teals have webbed toes with long, pointed claws. These special claws help them sit on tree branches. Most other water birds cannot easily perch on trees like the ringed teal.
Sounds They Make
Ringed teals form strong pairs. The female makes a sound like a cat's "mee-oowing." The male's call is a longer "peewoo."
Ringed Teal Life Cycle
Ringed teals live in north-west Argentina and Paraguay. You can also find them in Bolivia, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Forming Pairs
When ringed teals are old enough, they find a partner. These pairs are usually very strong. They often stay together for one breeding season. Sometimes, they even stay together for their whole lives!
The male starts by trying to impress the female. He might preen his feathers a lot. He also shows off the shiny green part of his wing. He swims in figure-eight patterns around the female while making sounds. Once they decide to be partners, they mate in the water.
Nests and Eggs
Ringed teals usually build their nests inside hollow tree holes. They line the nests with soft feathers called down. The female often protects the nest. The male protects the female from other males and animals that might be a danger.
Females usually lay 6 to 12 white eggs. The eggs are kept warm for about 29 days. Both parents might help keep the eggs warm. However, one study showed that only the female did the incubating.
Raising Ducklings
When the chicks hatch, they are very independent. This means they are born with soft down feathers. They can walk, move around, and find their own food almost right away. Even though they have down, it's not waterproof at first. They get special oils from their parents' feathers to help them stay dry. Later, they grow their own oil glands.
Both the male and female help raise and protect the ducklings. They do this until the ducklings can fly, which is around 50 to 55 days old. The male often takes a bigger role. He might follow behind any ducklings that get separated or are slower. The ducklings stay close together. They quickly learn from their parents how to find food, swim well, and avoid danger.
Efficient Reproduction
A pair of ringed teals can sometimes have two groups of ducklings in one breeding season! The male will keep caring for the first group. Meanwhile, the female will sit on the second set of eggs. This way, a pair can have up to 24 ducklings by the end of a breeding season.
Habitat and Food
Ringed teals live in tropical, swampy forests. They also like marshy clearings in areas with many trees. You can find them near quiet pools and small streams.
What They Eat
Since they are water birds, ringed teals eat many kinds of water plants and small water creatures. They also eat any seeds they can find.
How They Eat
Ringed teals are known as "dabblers." This means they usually feed on plants and insects near the water's surface. They might dip their heads and the front part of their bodies into the water. Their tails will stick up in the air. This is called "up-ending." They rarely dive completely underwater and stay there for long periods. This is different from "divers," who go deep underwater to find food like plants, small creatures, and fish.
How Long Do They Live?
In places where they are cared for by humans, ringed teals can live up to 15 years. We don't know exactly how long they live in the wild.
Gallery
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A pair of ringed teals
