Yellow-billed Teal

Anas flavirostris

The Yellow-billed Teal (Anas flavirostris) is a charming and widespread dabbling duck native to South America, instantly recognizable by its striking bright yellow bill tipped with black. This relatively small duck measures about 38-43 cm (15-17 inches) in length, boasts a wingspan of 58-71 cm (23-28 inches), and weighs approximately 320-560 g (11-20 oz). Its plumage is a mottled brownish-grey overall, with a slightly paler face, dark crown, and fine speckling on the breast and flanks, often ...

Habitat

Primarily inhabits freshwater wetlands, including lakes, marshes, lagoons, and slow-moving rivers, found from sea level up to high Andean plateaus.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding mainly on aquatic invertebrates like insects and crustaceans, supplemented by various plant matter such as seeds, leaves, and stems, primarily obtained through dabbling.

Behavior

Yellow-billed Teals are largely diurnal, actively foraging during the day and typically roosting in communal groups on the water or secluded banks at night. Their foraging strategy involves dabbling and head-dipping in shallow waters, sifting through mud and vegetation for food. While not highly ...

Range

The Yellow-billed Teal is widely distributed across much of South America, with a substantial resident population. Its range extends from southern Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia throughout the Andes, eastward into southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay, and south through Chile and Argentina...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The Yellow-billed Teal is one of only a few duck species found at altitudes exceeding 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) in the Andes Mountains. - Its bright yellow bill, with its distinctive black tip, is a key identification feature unmatched by other teals in its range. - There are three recognized ...

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