Brown Teal

100

Not yet spotted on Fladder

The Brown Teal, also known as Pāteke, is an endemic New Zealand duck characterized by its nocturnal habits and preference for sheltered wetlands. It's a dabbling duck that feeds primarily on invertebrates.

Where to spot

Endemic to New Zealand, found in freshwater wetlands, sheltered estuaries, coastal lagoons, and slow-moving rivers. Populations are concentrated in specific managed recovery areas.

How to spot

Look for them in areas with dense vegetation cover along water edges during the day, where they might be resting. For active observation, visit wetlands at dawn or dusk and listen for their distinctive soft calls. Use binoculars to scan shaded areas.

When to spot

Can be observed year-round in its native habitat. Being largely nocturnal, they are most active and therefore best observed during dawn, dusk, and throughout the night.

Where to spot

Endemic to New Zealand, found in freshwater wetlands, sheltered estuaries, coastal lagoons, and slow-moving rivers. Populations are concentrated in specific managed recovery areas.

How to spot

When to spot

Can be observed year-round in its native habitat. Being largely nocturnal, they are most active and therefore best observed during dawn, dusk, and throughout the night.

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Brown Teal are primarily nocturnal, foraging for food at night and often resting in dense cover during the day. This behavior is quite unusual for a dabbling duck species.

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