2024-11-15 08:19:00
SSince a month or two there have been teals in the Netherlands again. Teals are ducks that breed sparingly in the Netherlands, but mainly come from Eastern Europe in October and November to spend the winter here. It concerns an estimated 100,000 winter visitors. During the migration period that number is at least double.
When you see teals next to mallards, which is currently possible in any pond lined with reeds or other aquatic plants, you are struck by how small they are. They are half as long and half as high. Teals are our smallest ducklings, followed on the fleece by summer teals, which are only here in summer, in tiny numbers because of our inhospitable agricultural landscape. Teals are also dwindling in numbers due to intensifying land use in their breeding areas.
Glossy green mirrors
Apart from her size, the female teal resembles the female mallard duck, with her predominantly brown plumage. However, her glossy green mirrors often provide a definitive answer. The mirrors are the trailing edges of the wings, which can be seen as (in this case green) spots on the back of the sides in a sitting or swimming position. The female mallard duck has blue mirrors.
The male teal is easily recognized by its colorful appearance. It has a reddish-brown head with dark green stripes that appear combed backwards from the eye. Its bill is black and its flanks are gray with white marbling. Above this, a black and a white stripe has been drawn lengthwise. The speckled breast and neck are yellowish. The underside of the tail is also yellow, with black.
Floating on the water, the tail is folded up and the yellow tail is visible on both sides as yellow triangles, with a black mourning edge. In flight, teals often have a somewhat upright posture compared to other ducks.
Four times a week, biologist Koos Dijksterhuis writes about something that grows or blooms. Read his previous Nature Diaries here.
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#small #colorful #teals
– How can individuals contribute to the conservation of teals and their habitats?
**Interview with Dr. Anna Zwart, Avian Ecologist at the Dutch Bird Society**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Zwart. We’ve recently observed an influx of teals returning to the Netherlands for the winter. What’s behind this seasonal migration?
**Dr. Zwart**: Thank you for having me! Yes, the migration of teals to the Netherlands is quite an impressive phenomenon. These ducks come primarily from Eastern Europe between October and November, seeking a milder climate for the winter. We estimate around 100,000 teals arrive annually, and that number can double during peak migration periods.
**Editor**: That’s a significant population! How do teals compare to other ducks we commonly see, such as mallards?
**Dr. Zwart**: Great question! Teals are notably smaller than mallards, being about half their length and height. If you see them together at your local pond, the size difference is striking. Female teals, in particular, resemble female mallards with their brown plumage, but you can often identify teals by the glossy green mirrors on their wings.
**Editor**: Interesting! What challenges do teals face, both in their breeding and wintering habitats?
**Dr. Zwart**: Unfortunately, teals are facing significant challenges. Breeding numbers have dwindled due to intensified land use in their habitats. Our agricultural landscape is often inhospitable, which limits their breeding success. It’s vital that we protect these areas to ensure their survival.
**Editor**: With the influx of teals, is there anything that our readers can do to help support these migratory birds?
**Dr. Zwart**: Absolutely! People can contribute to conservation efforts by creating bird-friendly environments in their gardens, avoiding pesticides, and supporting local wildlife initiatives. Keeping our wetlands healthy is crucial, as it provides resting and feeding grounds for teals and other migratory birds.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Zwart, for sharing these insights on teals and their significance in our ecosystem.
**Dr. Zwart**: Thank you for having me! It’s important that we raise awareness about these beautiful birds and their plight.
