Callonetta leucophrys
The Ringed Teal (Callonetta leucophrys) is a captivating small duck, measuring approximately 35-38 cm (14-15 inches) in length and weighing 300-350g, notable for its striking sexual dimorphism. Males are instantly recognizable with a pristine white face sharply contrasted by a black crown and a distinct black post-ocular stripe, alongside chestnut flanks encircled by a fine black 'ring' and a pale grey back. Females, while more subtly colored, feature a dark brown mottled body, a white patch ...
Ringed Teals inhabit a variety of freshwater forested wetlands, including slow-moving rivers, streams, swamps, and marshes, particularly in tropical and subtropical lowlands. They favor areas with dense emergent vegetation and abundant tree cover for perching and nesting.
Their diet is omnivorous, consisting primarily of aquatic invertebrates, such as insect larvae and small crustaceans, supplemented with seeds, grasses, and other vegetative matter found in and around water bodies.
Primarily diurnal, Ringed Teals spend their days foraging and often roost perched in trees or on fallen logs near water. Their foraging strategy involves dabbling at the water's surface for food, occasionally performing shallow dives, and grazing on emergent vegetation along banks. During the bre...
The Ringed Teal is a resident species primarily found across southeastern South America, encompassing a broad range that includes eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil (from São Paulo southwards), and northern Argentina (from Buenos Aires north to Formosa). While largely non-migrato...
Least Concern
- The Ringed Teal is the sole species in its genus, *Callonetta*, making it taxonomically unique. - Unlike most ducks, Ringed Teals are highly arboreal, frequently perching on tree branches, even at considerable heights. - They are one of the smallest ducks native to South America. - Males posses...