Silver teal facts for kids
The silver teal (also called the versicolor teal) is a type of dabbling duck. These ducks live in South America. They are known for their beautiful colors and calm nature.
Quick facts for kids Silver teal |
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| A male in Brazil | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Spatula
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| Species: |
versicolor
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| Subspecies | |
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| Synonyms | |
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Anas versicolor Vieillot, 1816 |
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Silver teals live in small groups near fresh water. They mostly eat plants, like seeds and water plants.
Contents
Where Silver Teals Live
Silver teals can be found in many parts of South America. Their home range includes:
- Southern Bolivia
- Southern Brazil
- Paraguay
- Argentina
- Chile
- Uruguay
- South Georgia
- South Sandwich Islands
- The Falkland Islands
Ducks that live furthest south sometimes fly to southern Brazil for the winter. This is a type of migration to find warmer places.
Silver Teal Appearance
Silver teals have a special look that helps you spot them.
- They have a black cap that goes down past their eyes.
- Their bill (beak) is bluish with a bright yellow tip.
- They also have a green patch on their wings called a speculum. This patch has a white border.
Silver Teal Reproduction
Silver teals usually lay their eggs between April and June. They like to build their nests in areas with lots of reeds.
- A female silver teal will lay 6 to 10 eggs.
- The eggs are a creamy-pink color.
- Just like swans and geese, both the mother and father silver teal help raise their ducklings.
- A pair of silver teals might stay together for a long time.
Silver Teal Behavior
Overall, silver teals are calm and peaceful ducks. However, they can become very protective.
- They will guard their eggs and young ducklings.
- Female ducks are also protected by the males, especially when they are nesting.
Types of Silver Teals
The Puna teal used to be thought of as a type of silver teal. But now, scientists know it is a different species. There are two main types, or subspecies, of silver teals:
- Northern silver teal (S. versicolor versicolor): These live in Paraguay, southern Bolivia, and southern Brazil.
- Southern silver teal (S. versicolor fretensis): These are found in southern Chile, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands.
See also
In Spanish: Pato capuchino para niños
