Anas albogularis
The Andaman Teal (Anas albogularis) is a small, enigmatic dabbling duck, roughly 40-45 cm (16-18 inches) long and weighing approximately 400-500g (0.9-1.1 lbs). Its plumage is predominantly dark brown with fine mottling, but its most striking feature is a prominent white patch around the eye, extending to the base of the bill and down the throat, which gives rise to its scientific name 'albogularis' (white-throated). Rufous-brown flanks contrast with a darker crown and back, while a glossy gr...
The Andaman Teal primarily inhabits a variety of coastal and inland wetlands on the Andaman Islands, including brackish tidal creeks, mangrove-fringed lagoons, freshwater ponds, and marshy areas, typically at sea level or very low elevations.
Its diet consists mainly of small aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae, tiny fish, and the seeds and vegetative parts of aquatic plants, all obtained by dabbling in shallow waters.
Andaman Teals are generally shy and secretive, most active during dawn and dusk, though they can be observed foraging throughout the day in undisturbed areas. They typically roost in dense vegetation near water, often camouflaged by their plumage. Foraging primarily involves dabbling and upending...
The Andaman Teal is strictly endemic to the Andaman Islands, an archipelago located in the Bay of Bengal and constituting part of India. Its current distribution is highly fragmented and restricted to a number of islands within the archipelago, including North, Middle, South, and Little Andaman, ...
Endangered
- The Andaman Teal is one of only two endemic duck species found exclusively in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, though its current range is restricted primarily to the Andamans. - Its scientific name, *Anas albogularis*, directly translates to "white-throated duck," a clear reference to its most...