Andean Teal
Anas andium
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<birdfyi-bird slug="anas-andium"></birdfyi-bird>Altitude sets the limits of the Andean Teal (Anas andium), a small duck of freshwater lakes, marshes and boggy streams between roughly 2,500 and 4,500 m in the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, where it is strongly tied to paramo and subparamo wetlands. The body is brown with fine dark spotting and the head greyish-brown; a yellow bill with a darker culmen, an iridescent green speculum edged white in front, and greyish-orange legs complete the pattern. Sexes are alike. Taxonomists place it close to the Yellow-billed Teal, and the two are sometimes treated as a single species. Recorded birds average about 457 g with a wingspan near 45 cm.
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About
A small brown teal with yellow bill and green speculum. Closely related to Yellow-billed Teal; sometimes considered conspecific. Restricted to high-altitude Andean wetlands of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Listed as Near Threatened due to wetland loss.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 44.8 cm | 17.6 in |
| Weight | 457.0 g | 16.12 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Brown body with fine dark spotting; head grayish-brown. Yellow bill with darker culmen. Iridescent green speculum with white front border. Legs grayish-orange. Sexes similar. High-altitude Andean specialist.
Habitat & Range
High-altitude freshwater lakes, marshes, and boggy streams at 2,500–4,500 m in the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Strongly associated with paramo and subpáramo wetlands.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Incubation: 24-35 days. Fledging: 42-49 days.
Clutch Size
5-13
Sound
Song
Male gives a clear, whistled note; female produces a soft quacking series. Subdued vocalizations of this high-altitude Andes teal blend with the wind across paramo lakes.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | Anas andium |
Distribution
Andean Teal has been recorded in 4 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Andean Teal live?
Is the Andean Teal endangered?
How does the Andean Teal nest?
What does the Andean Teal sound like?
How big is the Andean Teal?
What order and family does the Andean Teal belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family