TEAL FACTS

DISTRIBUTION: Common and widespread, largely migratory and breeding across the Palearctic from Iceland and northern Europe across to Kolyma in the far east of Russia. Overwintering locations include the Mediterranean, the Nile Valley and south-east Asia and Japan. There are also resident populations in much of Western Europe, Iceland and parts of the Middle East.

UK DISTRIBUTION: Mostly restricted to northern moors and wetlands as a breeding species and only found in small numbers; much more numerous and widespread in winter when they may be found almost anywhere that offers suitable water sources.

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Least Concern, population trend unknown

HABITAT: Favours bogs, pools and wet moorland for breeding. In winter found on inland lakes, ponds, flooded ditches as well as estuaries.

FOOD: A dabbling dusk that feeds heavily on aquatic invertebrates including crustaceans, insects, larvae, molluscs and worms during the breeding season. In winter it eats aquatic plants and grass seeds.

BREEDING AND NESTING: Pairing commences during the winter. The nest is built on the ground, usually under dense cover and close to water As soon as laying commences the male will leave to congregate with other drakes. Ducklings leave the nest soon after hatching and fledge about a month later.

CLUTCH SIZE: 6–15 eggs INCUBATION TIME: 21–23 days LENGTH (AVERAGE): 34–43cm (13–17in)

WINGSPAN (AVERAGE): 53–59cm (21–23in)

WEIGHT (AVERAGE): Male 360g (13oz), female 340g (12oz)

LIFESPAN (AVERAGE): 10 to 15 years FLIGHT SPEED: Around 35mph SHOOTING SEASONS: England, Wales & Scotland: 1 September – 31 January (inland) 1 September – 20 February (below the high-water mark) Northern Ireland:

1 September – 31 January

Isle of Man: 1 September – 31 January