Silver teal

Scientific name: Spatula versicolor

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Males display a distinctive green-and-white head pattern with grey-blue backs and pale grey breasts; females are dusky brown with a green speculum on the wing. This is a small dabbling duck species.

Size and weight

Adult males typically weigh 450–550 g and measure 38–42 cm; females average 400–480 g.

Habitat

Silver teal favour shallow freshwater lakes and marshes with dense emergent vegetation along the margins, typically at moderate to high elevations. They prefer open water areas with good plant cover nearby.

Distribution

Found in South America, concentrated in Andean regions and around high-altitude lakes in mountainous terrain. They favour wetland habitats between moderate and high elevations.

Diet

They feed primarily on seeds from aquatic and marsh plants, supplemented with small invertebrates and crustaceans; autumn diet shifts heavily toward grass and sedge seeds.

Behaviour

Silver teal are most active at dawn and dusk, typically occurring in small flocks on sheltered water rather than large congregations. They are weak fliers preferring to dabble and dive for food.

Hunting tips

Locate small duck flocks on shallow water during dawn or dusk, particularly near dense vegetation. Approach quietly across open water using low terrain and any available vegetation for cover; silver teal are reluctant fliers and rarely travel far, allowing closer stalking. Focus glassing efforts on calm, sheltered margins where they congregate to feed.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 3 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.