Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
B7, B29, B30, B31, B40, B97, B94, B128.w1, B128.w2)
D1, D8

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Dabbling Ducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Dabbling Ducks are generally hardy, easy to maintain and easy to breed. Shelter may be required by some of the smaller species in winter. They should be provided with cover (including marginal pond cover) and loafing areas as well as water. A pen which is 50% water is suggested. The water may be shallow (i.e. no more than two feet deep is required), and muddy areas for dabbling in are also appreciated. These ducks are generally good in mixed collections, although the smaller and quieter species may be bullied. Territorial disputes between ducks of the same species may be avoided by keeping only one pair of each species in an enclosure, unless the area is very large. For a single pair of ducks a pen are of 50 to 100 square metres, depending on the size of duck, should be provided.
• A diet based on wheat and pellets is suggested, with maintenance pellets changed to breeders pellets for the breeding season. Bread and greenfood are also appreciated. Grit should always be available, with soluble grit (e.g. oystershell grit) as a calcium source when breeding.
• Most species are ground nesters and both close ground cover and ground level nest boxes should be provided. Hand-rearing is generally preferred, as these ducks are generally poor parents in captive conditions, particularly in enclosures shared with other waterfowl. These ducks are prone to hybridization, particularly with closely related species, which should be kept apart from one another.

(B7, B29, B30, B40, B94, B128.w1, D1)

Species-specific information:

• Baikal teal are hardy, quiet and peaceable, suitable for mixed collections with plentiful natural cover; they may be fed as other dabbling ducks - pellets, grain, bread, green food.
• These ducks are rarely bred in captivity. Eggs are laid April to May, in natural vegetation cover near water or in a ground-level nest box. Ducklings may be reared reared with no particular problems. 
• Hybrids have been recorded with other Anas species and with Netta rufina - Red-crested pochard; these usually involve drakes, but duck recorded breeding with Anas versicolor - Silver teal drake. drake.

(B29, B30, B31, B40, B97, B128.w2)

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: H 8.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Breast pinkish buff spotted with black,blending into grey sides of breasts and flanks grey with white vertical line down side of breast and white line separating flanks from undertail coverts black. Abdomen white. Tail brown with paler edges, uppertail coverts black. Upperparts brownish; scapulars and tertials long, cinnamon/cream/black. Wings brown/dark grey with greater coverts cinnamon tipped, secondaries metallic green/black with white tips (B3, B5, B8, B25, B26).

Eclipse:- Similar to female, but with less obvious facial pattern; may have long cream scapulars (B3, B5, B25).

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

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Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

North, central Siberia, south to Lake Baikal and Sea of Okhotsk. Winters migrates south to India, Burma, eastern China, south Japan, Greater Antilles, Bahamas (B1, B19).

Some further west to north-eastern India (B1).

Vagrants may possibly reach e.g. Britain, Spain, Pacific coast of North America, but birds seen in such places are more probably escapees (B1).

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Marked decline, particularly dramatic in the 1970's (B1, B8).

Captive Populations

Trade