Eurasian Teal

🔍 Overview

The UK’s smallest dabbling duck, the Teal is a common winter visitor to Sussex wetlands. Males are striking, females subtly patterned.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Small duck (34–38 cm)
Plumage: Males: chestnut head with green stripe; Females: mottled brown
Distinctive Marks: Green wing patch (speculum)
Bill: Small and dark
Tail: Neat, pointed
Flight: Fast with rapid wingbeats

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Found on Pulborough Brooks, Widewater, Adur Valley, and Brooklands.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Male call is a distinctive whistling “crēēk,” females quack softly.

🍴 Diet

Seeds, aquatic plants, small invertebrates.

📸 Birding Tip

Winter flocks often mix with other ducks—watch for the green eye-stripe on males.