Brown Teal - Anas chlorotis (Pateke)

Coordinator: Kevin Evans

Habitat and Distribution: Brown Teal is an endangered endemic species. Main population is in weltlands on Great Barrier Island < 800, others found in Northland on brackish, slow-flowing rivers and ponds < 200.

Characteristics: Brown Teal are usually seen in small flocks which do not readily fly off when distrubed but swim away.

Voice: Female a rapid repeated quack, male a hoarse rasping.

Food: Shoots of water plants, invertebrates and insects.

Breeding: Nest of grasses is lined with down and built in dense vegetation near water. Clutch of 4 - 8 buff coloured eggs is laid during many months of the year but maiinly July to January. Female incubates for 27 - 30 days. Both parents raise the young and are extremely agressive and parental.

Captive Program: 16 holders, 22 pairs, breeding 40 - 60 birds per year for release into the wild under the Brown Teal Recovery Group.

Associated Documents:

Brown Teal Recovery Plan

- Brown Teal Captive Mangement Plan

- Brown Teal Husbandry Manual