Anas crecca Linnaeus, 1758 · kačica chrapka · Green-winged Teal

Distribution

Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca), as treated on this card, includes Eurasian and North American populations; the American subspecies carolinensis has a separate subordinate card. The species breeds across temperate and northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere and winters farther south. Slovak records predominantly concern the Eurasian form, a common passage migrant and regular winter visitor to suitable waters but a very rare, local breeder. Winter flocks therefore do not indicate the size of the local breeding population.

Habitat

It favours shallow wetlands, flooded meadows, muddy shores and overgrown pond margins. In winter it also uses quieter river sections and reservoir inflows. Suitable breeding habitat includes small waters with dense vegetation and safe nearby cover.

Breeding

The nest is concealed on the ground among plants, usually near water. The female incubates and cares for the young. The ducklings leave quickly after hatching and collect food at the surface and in the shallows.

Food

It takes many aquatic invertebrates during breeding, while seeds and other plant material are important outside that season. It feeds mainly in shallow water and soft mud.

Interesting fact

It is among Slovakia's smallest ducks. A disturbed flock can spring into the air and turn tightly in unison; males also give a soft ringing whistle quite unlike a female Mallard's loud quacking.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia · BTO BirdFacts