The Madagascar Teal (Anas bernieri) is a bird. It is also known as the Bernier’s Teal.
The Madagascar Teal is mainly brown with a reddish beak. Its legs and feet are reddish-orange. Males and females look similar.
Madagascar Teal Duck
It is a small duck, measuring 40-45 centimetres (16-18 inches) in length.
The Madagascar Teal is native to Madagascar, and only on the west coast and the north-east coast of the country. It prefers mangrove forests in shallow ponds and lakes, where the water is brackish (a bit salty, but not as salty as the ocean).
The male whistles, whereas the female quacks.
It is diurnal, active during the day. It filters mud and strains out the plants, insects, and small aquatic animals to eat.
The Madagascar Teal makes a nest in holes in mangrove trees. Females lay 3-9 eggs, which only females sit on until they hatch.
Madagascar Teal Duck
Madagascar Teal Duck
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM