Grey Teal

(Anas gibberifrons)
Also known as tete
Self-introduced and considered native, protected (not hunted)

Live: Found in the greater Waikato region, Hawke's Bay and Otago.  Also native to Australia, New Guinea and New Caledonia.

Habitat: They prefer wetlands and shallow freshwater lakes with good vegetation for cover.

Diet: Dabbling ducks, grey teal feed mostly at dawn and dusk. They dabble for seeds and insects and may also dredge muddy bottoms and strip seeds from overhanging plants. They may feed on land, though never far from water.

Zoo diet: Duck pellet mix

Gestation: From June to January they nest in hollow trees, rabbit burrows, and on sheltered bare ground. The nest itself is sparse. They readily adapt to nesting boxes. Between 5 and 9 eggs are laid at the rate of one a day, are gradually covered with down and incubated by the female for 24-26 days.

Status (Dept of Conservation): Not threatened and secure overseas

General: Grey teal are self-introduced from Australia, migrating when severe drought occurs in Australia's interior regions.

Male and female are alike. Distinguishing features include their small size, pale face and throat, and dark grey on top of the head. The general body colour is grey speckled with brown, lighter on the chest. The bill and legs are black.

Ducklings are grey-brown with dark brown stripes through and under the eyes. Both parents rear the young, and the bond between pairs may last from season to season.

Mortality rates are high for both adults and young. Many are killed accidentally in the hunting season and few manage to attain a lifespan of 6 years.