The Andaman teal (Anas albogularis) is a species of duck belonging to the family Anatidae.
The Andaman teal is endemic to Andaman Islands of India and Great Coco Island of Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal.
Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Anas albogularis
- Common Name: Andaman teal
- French: Sarcelle des Andaman; German: Andamanen-Weißkehlente; Spanish: Cerceta de Andamán;
- Other names: Mareca albogularis Hume, 1873, Nettium albigulare, Nettion albigulare;
- Family: Anatidae › Anseriformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
- Species author: (Hume, 1873)
Later A. albogularis (del Hoyo and Collar 2014) are listed as separate species.
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| Indian birds - Andaman teal - Anas albogularis |
Description
The Andaman teal species are small birds, measuring 37 to 47 cm in length and the male teal weighs 400 grams. The female teal is smaller and weighs 340 grams. These teal species have dark brown body with buff colored markings. The face and throat are paler with white ring around the eyes.Habitat
These teal species inhabit inland water bodies like freshwater streams, ponds and paddy-fields as well as mangroves, lagoons, brackish swamps, tidal creeks, estuaries and sea. During the day these teal species roost on exposed rocks and mudflats.Feeding habits
They were found feeding in rice fields in the night in small groups of 30-40 birds. Their feed is probably molluscs and insects.Breeding
The breeding season is between July and October. These teal species nest on reed patches. Nests were also recorded in tree holes. Up to nine eggs were observed in a clutch.Distribution
The Andaman teal is endemic to Andaman Islands of India and Great Coco Island of Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal.Movement Patterns
They are sedentary birds and diurnally move between the roosting sites and feeding sites.Status and conservation
In a survey conducted in 2005, 674 birds were counted. The population is steadily increasing and in 2014 it is estimated to be slightly more than 1,000 individuals. Their habitat is not protected. Habitat degradation is the single major threat to these species.The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated these teal species and has listed them as of "Vulnerable".
| Biological classification of Anas albogularis | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Anseriformes |
| Family: | Anatidae |
| Subfamily: | - |
| Genus: | Anas |
| Species: | A. albogularis |
| Binomial name: | Anas albogularis |
| Distribution: | Andaman Islands (India) and Great Coco Island (Burma); |
| Feeding habits: | molluscs, insects, paddy; |
| IUCN status listing: |  Vulnerable |
Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AnasAlbigularisKeulemans.jpg
Author: John Gerrard Keulemans | License: Public domain
Current topic in Birds of India:Andaman teal - Anas albogularis.