Baikal Teal Identification Guide

Baikal Teal

Key facts

Scientific name: Sibirionetta formosa
UK status: Accidental (rare vagrant)
Global conservation status: Least concern
Length: 40 cm
Wingspan: 70 cm
Weight: 450 g

Description

The Baikal teal, also known as the bimaculate duck or squawk duck, is a dabbling duck that is slightly larger than the common teal. Males in breeding plumage have a striking green nape, and yellow and black cheeks, neck, and throat with a darker crown. They have long, drooping scapulars with front and near white bars.

Female Baikal teals are similar to green-winged teals but with a longer tail and she has a white throat and distinctive white spot at the base of the bill. Some females have bridled markings on their face although its been suggested that these are sometimes, if not all, juvenile males.

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Diet

Baikal teals feed on seeds, grain, water snails, algae, and other aquatic plant matter.

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Range and habitat

Baikal teals breed in eastern Russia and winter in East Asia. They can be found in rivers, pools, marshes, and freshwater and brackish wetlands.

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