Salvadori's teal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Salvadori's teal |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Salvadorina
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| Species: |
waigiuensis
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The Salvadori's teal (Salvadorina waigiuensis), also called the Salvadori's duck, is a special kind of bird. It lives only in New Guinea. This duck is the only species in its own group, called Salvadorina.
It has a dark-brown head and neck. Its body is covered in dark-brown and off-white stripes and spots. It has bright orange legs and a yellow bill.
This duck likes to hide. It lives near fast-flowing mountain streams and lakes. It eats both plants and animals. It builds its nest close to water and lays two to four eggs during the dry season. Experts say this bird is of "least concern" for now, but its numbers might be slowly going down.
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What is Salvadori's Teal?
The Salvadori's teal is a small duck. It measures about 38 to 43 centimeters (15 to 17 inches) long. Its wings can spread out 56 to 71 centimeters (22 to 28 inches). It weighs around 342 grams (12 ounces), which is about the same as a can of soda.
Both male and female ducks look very similar. Males are usually just a little bit bigger than females.
Where Does it Live?
Salvadori's teal lives only on the island of New Guinea. Some people thought it was found on an island called Waigeo once. But now, it is not found there.
These ducks live in mountains, from about 500 meters (1,640 feet) up to 4,000 meters (13,120 feet) high. They really like fast-moving rivers and streams. Sometimes, you can also find them in calm lakes.
What Does it Eat?
Salvadori's teal is an omnivore. This means it eats both plants and animals. It finds its food by dabbling, which is when it dips its head into the water. It also dives underwater to catch food.
It eats:
- Plants
- Insects
- Maybe small fish
Reproduction and Life Cycle
This duck builds its nest close to water. It usually lays two to four eggs. It does this during the dry season in New Guinea.
How is it Protected?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) checks on animals around the world. They have listed Salvadori's teal as "least concern." This means it is not in immediate danger of disappearing.
However, the total number of these ducks is thought to be going down. There are probably between 2,500 and 9,999 adult ducks left.
Some things that threaten Salvadori's teal are:
- Hunting
- Its home (habitat) getting damaged
- Dogs hunting them
- Competition with fish that people have brought into their rivers
