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In captivity the Chestnut teal were first bred in 1909, however World War II almost wiped out the breeding stock leaving only a few birds.
photo: Tom Gillespie
Characteristics: The Chestnut Teal is a powerful flying species of waterfowl that is difficult to approach and observe in the wild. They generally live in small parties. In captivity they are hardy and sociable and get along fairly well in mixed species exhibits. They are fairly easy to care for and have great personalities.
Adult males in breeding plumage have dark green head and neck, blackish mantle and back, black rump and tail, chestnut breast and abdomen spotted with black, a broad white band around the vent and the wings have a black and green mirror between the bands. The iris is red; bill and legs are dark gray. In eclipse all parts of the male plumage is duller and mixed with brown. Females and juveniles closely resemble Gray Teals. They are brown with black and white speckled throughout and have a blackish crown.
Diet: In captivity at the NC Zoo the Chestnut Teal is fed a diet of Gamebird pellets and Small Bird Particles by the Mazuri company. These pellets are mixed with greens such as spinach or kale. They are also fed live crickets and mealworms and occasional waxworms.
Reproduction: This species nests throughout the year when water conditions are favorable. They usually build nests in hollow trees, but sometimes nest on the ground in tall grass and bushes near the water. They lay 7-13 eggs of a rich cream color and incubate for approximately 23 days. Downy young are blackish brown and buff with two distinct black lines from bill to nape by their eyes. In captivity they first bred in 1909, however the Second World War almost wiped out the breeding stock leaving only a few birds at the London Zoo and Leckford in California. They were all put together at Leckford and a good stock has since been re-established.
References:
- Delacour, Jean – 1956 – “Waterfowl of the World, Volume 2” Arco Publishing Company, NY
- Rutgers, A. and KA Norrs – 1977 – “Encyclopedia of Aviculture, Volume 3” Blandford Press
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N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
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