Grey teal
Scientific name: Anas gracilis
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Compact dabbling duck with grey-brown plumage, pale greyish head and neck; males show a glossy green wing speculum in flight.
Size and weight
Males 340–430 g, females 270–350 g; body length 40–45 cm.
Habitat
Small to medium freshwater lakes, swamps, and river systems in open to lightly timbered country, typically lowland areas.
Distribution
Native to Australia, Tasmania, and to a lesser extent New Zealand; inhabits lowland freshwater wetlands.
Diet
Grazes on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and small crustaceans; shifts to pasture grazing in autumn and winter.
Behaviour
Most active at dawn and dusk, typically found in small flocks or pairs. Prefers open water and launches with rapid wing beats when disturbed.
Hunting tips
Locate feeding or loafing flocks along water margins in early morning and late afternoon. Approach with the wind using vegetation cover. Position for a shot before flushing, as birds lift steeply and depart quickly.
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.