Teal: Birds of Britain

Teal. Familiar Wild Birds by W Swaysland

One of the smallest of ducks, the male teal is readily distinguished by a red and green head pattern, set off by a pale line which bends around the eye. These are dabbling ducks, feeding by up-ending in the shallow waters of their inland and coastal habitats. Teal react quickly to danger by rising almost vertically, twisting away in a rapid flight.

This edited article originally appeared in Look and Learn issue number 905 published on 26 May 1979. Click on a picture to find out more about licensing images for commercial or personal/educational use. We are also able to license textual material. Please contact us for details.