Spatula versicolor
The Silver Teal, *Spatula versicolor*, is a strikingly marked dabbling duck native to South America, instantly recognizable by its bold black crown contrasting with creamy white cheeks and a distinct blue bill with yellow sides. Averaging 38-44 cm in length and weighing between 300-500g, this relatively small duck exhibits a body plumage of finely spotted and barred flanks, a rich chestnut-brown chest, and a brilliant iridescent green speculum on its wings, particularly noticeable in flight. ...
Primarily found in freshwater wetlands, including shallow lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers, particularly those with emergent vegetation. It typically inhabits low to moderate elevations.
Feeds primarily on aquatic invertebrates (insects, crustaceans, mollusks) and a variety of plant material, including seeds, leaves, and stems of aquatic plants. Forages by dabbling, filtering, and up-ending in shallow water.
Silver Teals are diurnal dabbling ducks, spending their days foraging and resting, often congregating in small, loose flocks outside the breeding season. Foraging involves typical dabbling techniques, where they up-end to reach submerged vegetation and aquatic invertebrates, or filter surface wat...
The Silver Teal has a wide distribution across southern South America, extending from northern Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil, west through Paraguay and Bolivia, and south into Chile and Tierra del Fuego. The nominate subspecies, *S. v. versicolor*, occupies most of this mainland range, ...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'versicolor' means 'of various colors,' referring to the species' beautifully varied plumage. - Unlike many ducks, the male and female Silver Teal exhibit very little sexual dimorphism in plumage, making them difficult to distinguish visually outside of breeding behaviors. -...