The ringed teal (Callonetta leucophrys ) is a small duck of South American forests. It is the only species of the genus Callonetta. Usually placed with the dabbling ducks (Anatinae), this species may actually be closer to shelducks and belong in the subfamily Tadorninae; its closest relative is possibly the maned duck.
The Ringed teal is a small duck of South American forests. The male and female remain colorful throughout the year, lacking an eclipse plumage. The drake (male) has a rich chestnut back, pale grey flanks, and a salmon-colored breast speckled in black. A black band runs from the top of its head down to the nape. Females have an olive-brownish back with the head blotched and striated in white, with penciled barring on a pale chest and belly. Both have a dark tail, a contrasting pale rump, and a distinctive white patch on the wing. Bills are grey and legs and feet are pink in both sexes.
Ringed teal breed in north-west Argentina and Paraguay, also occurring in Bolivia, Brazil, and Uruguay. They inhabit tropical, swampy forests and marshy clearings in well-wooded lowlands, as well as secluded pools and small streams.
Ringed teal are social birds that gather in large flocks during the breeding season. They are active during the day spending most of their time feeding on plant and insect material near the surface of the water. These birds find their food by submerging their heads and upper torso while putting their tails up in the air, a method also known as “up-ending”. Ringed teal rarely completely submerge themselves and stay under for periods of time but will readily dive to escape predators. Their contact calls are a cat-like 'mee-oowing' in ducks (females), and a lingering 'peewoo' in drakes (males).
Ringed teal are herbivores and carnivores (insectivores). They eat a variety of aquatic plants and invertebrates, and will also consume seeds and shoots.
Ringed teal are monogamous and form strong pair bonds that may last a single breeding season or for the lifetime of a pair. A pair bond begins with the male courting the female with preening, flashing the iridescent green patches on the wings, and swimming in figure eights around the female of interest while vocalizing. Nests are usually created out of hollow holes in tree cavities. The nests are lined with down and the female tends to be the defender of the nest. The male, however, will defend the female against other males and potential predators throughout their pair bond. Females typically lay 6-12 eggs that are white in color. The eggs are incubated for an average of 29 days by both parents. Hatched ducklings are precocial; they are mostly developed upon hatching, have a layer of down feathers, can walk, function, and essentially feed themselves. Both the male and female play a large role in raising and defending the chicks until they fledge at 50-55 days old. The male, however, tends to be the most invested and will often be seen following behind separated or slower ducklings. Until fledging, the young stay in a close group and learn quickly from their parents how to forage, swim efficiently, and avoid predators. Often, the bonded pair is able to produce two groups of offspring in one breeding season. The male will continue to care for the first group of ducklings, while the female incubates the second group of eggs. By the end of a breeding season, it is possible for a bonded pair to have laid and hatched up to 24 offspring.
There are no major threats facing Ringed teals at present.
According to the IUCN Red List, the total Ringed teal population size is around 6,700-67,000 mature individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
