Chestnut teal
Scientific name: Anas castanea
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Males are chestnut-red on the breast and head with glossy dark-green iridescence on the neck. Females are duller grey-brown.
Size and weight
Males typically weigh 0.6–0.8 kg, females 0.5–0.7 kg. Body length approximately 37–41 cm.
Habitat
Freshwater lakes, ponds, and riverbanks with dense vegetation. Prefers shallow water margins with reed beds and rush growth.
Distribution
Native to Australia, Tasmania, and Southeast Asia. Shifts towards coastal waters and larger impoundments in winter.
Diet
Small fish, aquatic invertebrates, molluscs, and water plants; diet shifts seasonally with prey availability.
Behaviour
Diurnal and crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk. Congregates in small flocks; pairs form during breeding.
Hunting tips
Scan quiet water margins at first light for small groups. Approach slowly along vegetated banks to minimize disturbance. Note droppings and small footprints at water's edge to identify core feeding zones.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.