Birds Active during the day

Brazilian Teal

Amazonetta brasiliensis

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A colorful resident of South American waterways, the Brazilian Teal is easily identified by the male's vibrant red bill and the female's elegant white facial markings. This small, social duck is a frequent visitor to backyard ponds and forest edges across the continent.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 35–40 cm (14–16 in); Wingspan: approx. 60–70 cm (24–28 in); Weight: 350–600 g (0.8–1.3 lbs)

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Colors

Light brown plumage with darker mottling. Males have a distinctive red bill and red legs. Females have a grey/black bill and characteristic white spots on the face near the bill and eyes. Both sexes feature a brilliant iridescent blue-green wing patch (speculum).

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Key Features

Bright red bill and legs (males) or white facial teardrop spots (females)
Iridescent blue-green wing patch visible in flight
Small, slender build with a relatively long, dark tail

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 4-7 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Omnivorous dabbler; consumes aquatic seeds, fruits, roots, and a variety of insects and small mollusks found in shallow mud.

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Habitat Freshwater ponds, marshes, slow-moving rivers, and flooded grasslands, often near forest edges or wooded areas.

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Where Does the Brazilian Teal Live?

The Brazilian Teal is a quintessential South American species, found across a vast portion of the continent east of the Andes. Its heartland spans the tropical and subtropical regions of Brazil, extending through the wetlands of Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina. It is also commonly sighted in the lowland basins of Bolivia, Peru, and the Guianas, making it one of the most widespread waterfowl species in the southern hemisphere's warmer climates.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

11 Countries

8.5M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

BR Brazil AR Argentina PY Paraguay UY Uruguay BO Bolivia PE Peru CO Colombia VE Venezuela GY Guyana SR Suriname French Guiana

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

Sea level – 2,000 m

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Brazilian Teal is a social and relatively approachable duck, usually found in pairs or small family groups rather than large, anonymous flocks. They are dabbling ducks, meaning they feed primarily at the surface or by tipping their heads underwater rather than diving. They are often seen walking confidently along muddy banks or perched on low-lying branches overhanging the water, showing a level of terrestrial agility not seen in all waterfowl.

In suburban or agricultural settings, they can become quite accustomed to human activity, provided they have access to thick shoreline vegetation for cover. During the breeding season, they are known for their quiet demeanor, though males will emit a high-pitched whistle to communicate with their mates. They are generally non-aggressive but will fiercely defend their ducklings from small predators and competing waterfowl.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture high-quality footage of the Brazilian Teal, place your AI camera near the water's edge, specifically in areas where there is a mix of open mud and low-hanging vegetation. These ducks love to 'haul out' of the water to preen their feathers and rest. Setting your camera just 12 inches off the ground on a sturdy stake or log will give you an intimate, eye-level perspective that makes the birds appear more majestic and detailed than a top-down angle would.

Because their most striking feature is the iridescent blue-green wing patch, lighting is everything. Try to position your camera so the sun is behind it during the early morning or late afternoon. This 'golden hour' light will hit the feathers at the perfect angle to trigger the metallic shimmer that often looks dull or black in flat, midday light. If your camera allows for it, use a high-speed burst mode; these ducks are active preeners, and a fast shutter speed is required to catch the moment they stretch their wings.

If you are monitoring a backyard pond or a farm dam, you can attract them by maintaining a 'wild' buffer zone of tall grasses or reeds. Brazilian Teals feel safest when they have a quick escape route into cover. While they don't require complex lures, a small amount of floating duck grain or cracked corn placed in the shallows can encourage them to linger in front of your camera lens for longer periods, allowing the AI to get a positive identification and capture more varied behaviors.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Brazilian Teal.

Silver Teal

Silver Teals have a bright blue bill with a yellow spot at the base, whereas male Brazilian Teals have a bright red bill.

White-cheeked Pintail

Has a much longer tail and a distinct white patch covering the entire lower half of the face, compared to the Brazilian Teal's smaller white spots.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Brazilian Teal are primarily diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. You will see the most movement during the early morning hours and late afternoon when they spend significant time foraging for food and preening.

The best way to attract them is by providing a clean, permanent freshwater source with plenty of natural cover like reeds or tall grasses. They prefer quiet environments and will be more likely to visit if the shoreline isn't overly manicured.

They are omnivores that dabble for seeds, aquatic plants, and small insects. In a backyard setting, they may occasionally eat birdseed or grain that falls near the water's edge.

Yes, they are remarkably adaptable and are frequently found in suburban parks, golf course ponds, and garden estates throughout Brazil and northern Argentina, provided there is suitable water and vegetation.

Look at the bill color: males have a bright cherry-red bill which is very rare among ducks. Females have distinctive white spots at the base of their bill and behind the eye, which are unique identifiers for this species.

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