Grey Teal

Identification

The grey teal is a compact dabbling duck easily recognized by its distinctive crimson-red iris, which is particularly prominent in adult males. Its plumage is mottled brown overall, with striking white and green flashes visible on the wings in flight. Unlike the closely related chestnut teal, both male and female grey teals share identical colouration, making this species notably uniform in appearance. The head is plain or slightly streaked, featuring a dark crown contrasting with a cream-coloured chin, throat, and cheeks. The neck is notably lighter than the body, and the pale face helps distinguish it from the very similar female chestnut teal. The bill is blue-grey with dark edging, and the feet match this grey colouration. Juveniles appear paler than adults, particularly on the head, and can be identified by their dull brown eye until maturity.

Range & Habitat

The grey teal is found across open wetlands in Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and Indonesia, with vagrants occasionally reaching the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. In New Zealand, where it is known by the Māori name tētē, the species is now very common throughout the country, though it was rare until the 1950s. Larger populations concentrate in Hawke's Bay, Waikato, South Auckland, Otago, and the Canterbury region, particularly around Lake Ellesmere. The Australian population remains considerably larger.

This duck strongly prefers shallow freshwater habitats including lagoons, swamps, and shallow lakes with substantial marginal vegetation—dense plant growth around the edges is essential. While breeding birds favour freshwater sites, they occasionally venture into coastal, saline, or brackish waters. Grey teals typically avoid elevations above 900 metres, preferring areas below 300 metres. For nesting, they select ground-level sites among reeds and tall grasses, though they also readily use tree hollows and rabbit burrows.

Behaviour & Diet

The grey teal is a highly gregarious and vocal species, particularly active at night. Males produce soft "preep" calls, while females deliver loud quacks. The species is nomadic in Australia, rapidly colonizing suitable wetlands after rainfall; during droughts, large numbers may migrate considerable distances to find suitable habitat, as occurred in 1957 when many fled to New Zealand to escape severe drought conditions. Pairs form long-term monogamous bonds, remaining together year-round, though they often join large flocks during late summer moult until July. Males court females with displays including headshakes and head rolls.

Grey teals typically begin breeding at just one year old. In Australia, breeding is entirely linked to rainfall and food availability rather than fixed seasons, as the species adapted to temporary shallow waters. In New Zealand's more humid climate, breeding follows a more seasonal pattern, though still influenced by water availability. After breeding, birds often gather at estuaries to feed on exposed mudflats. The species undergoes complex moulting patterns: a body moult (excluding wings) before breeding, followed by a complete moult including wings after breeding, typically between January and March in Australia. This timing flexibly adjusts with climate, with birds postponing wing moult during extended wet seasons to maximize breeding opportunities.

Best Time & Places to See It

Grey teals are widespread and common throughout their range, making them relatively easy to locate. In New Zealand, they can be found year-round in suitable habitat across the country, with higher concentrations in Hawke's Bay, Waikato, South Auckland, and Otago. The Canterbury region and Lake Ellesmere are particularly reliable locations. In Australia, the best viewing opportunities follow rainfall events when the species rapidly colonizes newly suitable wetlands. Since breeding and moult timing are linked to climate conditions rather than fixed seasons, any season offering suitable water levels and vegetation can be productive. Early morning and evening hours are ideal for observing this vocal species, particularly listening for characteristic calls.

Photography Tips

The grey teal's mottled brown plumage can be challenging to photograph against wetland backgrounds; look for the striking white and green wing flashes in flight to help identify and compose shots. The distinctive crimson eye is a key identifying feature worth capturing in close-ups, especially for adult males where it is most prominent. Photograph birds in marginal vegetation where they prefer to stay rather than in open water, positioning yourself to catch the lighter-coloured neck and pale face that distinguish them from similar species. Early morning light will enhance the subtle plumage details and bring out the eye colour. Since grey teals are gregarious and often gathered in flocks, particularly after breeding season at estuaries, look for opportunities to capture group behaviour and feeding activity on mudflats. The species' vocal nature means you may hear them before seeing them, especially at night.