Distribution and Habitat

Most common in brackish coastal lagoons, saltwater estuaries and the lower reaches of creeks around the coast, the Chestnut Teal is distributed in south-eastern and south-western Australia. Vagrants may occur elsewhere. Tasmania and southern Victoria are the species' stronghold.

Status

The Chestnut Teal is available for recreational hunting in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

Description

The Chestnut Teal is darker and a slightly bigger bird than the Grey Teal. In flight, the wedge-shaped white patch on both the upperwing and underwing is obvious. The male Chestnut Teal has a white patch on the flank which can also be seen in flight. The male is a dark bird with a very dark head.

On the water, the Chestnut Teal is a small, dark duck which floats high. The male has a glossy green head and a white flank patch. The female and juvenile male are similar to Grey Teal, but are darker and lack the white throat.

Voice

The female Chestnut Teal has a loud penetrating "laughing" quack repeated rapidly nine times or more.