Marbled teal ducks live in the shallow freshwater ponds and marshes of the Mediterranean basin and western Asia. This species is named for its spots or “marbles” of dark and light feathers.
The life of a marbled teal
Marbled teals can grow 12 to 14 inches long and weigh up to 1.3 pounds. Females are slightly smaller than males.
These ducks tend to live in flocks, except during mating season when they pair up to travel to breeding grounds. After the female lays four to 12 eggs, the male will leave while the female remains to incubate the eggs, which hatch in about 25 days. The chicks will remain in their mother’s care for about two months.
Marbled teal ducks eat by dabbling in shallow water, using their beaks to find seeds, plants, aquatic insects and tiny crustaceans near the surface. They sometimes dive for food as well.
Their primary predators are hunters and egg collectors. Habitat loss also poses a major risk to their survival.
Marbled teals at the zoo
Located in the Vollum Aviary near the Africa area.
