Auckland teal

The Auckland teal (Anas aucklandica), also known as Auckland Islands teal or brown teal, is a species of dabbling duck of the genus Anas that is endemic to Auckland Islands south of New Zealand. The species was once found throughout the Auckland Islands but is now restricted to the islands that lack introduced predators: Adams Island, Enderby Island, Disappointment Island and a few smaller islands. An old report of "the same flightless duck" on North East Island, The Snares group[3] most likely refers to a straggler.[4]

Auckland teal
CITES Appendix I (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Clade: Dinosauria
Class: Aves
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Anas
Species:
A. aucklandica
Binomial name
Anas aucklandica
(G. R. Gray, 1844)

The Auckland teal is smaller and rarer than the brown teal of the main islands of New Zealand, a species with which it was once considered conspecific. The plumage is all over brown with a hint of green on the neck and a conspicuous white eyering. The female is slightly darker than the male. The wings are very small and the species has, like the related Campbell teal, lost the power of flight.[4]

The Auckland teal is mostly crepuscular to nocturnal, preferring to hide from predators (New Zealand falcons and skuas) during the day. The species inhabits a variety of habitats with the islands, including tussock fields, mega herb shrubland and coastal waters. It is carnivorous for the most part, feeding on marine invertebrates, insects, amphipods and other small Invertebrates. Auckland teal are territorial and seldom form flocks.[4]

Image of Auckland teal in the collection of Auckland Museum
Auckland teal mount in the collection of Auckland Museum

References
  1. BirdLife International (2021). "Anas aucklandia". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T22680280A194816119. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T22680280A194816119.en. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  2. "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  3. Hector, J. (1896). "Dr Collins' testimony of a Snares Island duck" (PDF). Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 29: 614.
  4. Williams, M. (2005). "Auckland Islands Teal Anas aucklandica". In Kear, J. (ed.). Ducks, Geese and Swans of the World. Vol. 2. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 579–581. ISBN 0-19-854645-9.

Further reading
  • O'Brien, Rory M. (1990). "Anas aucklandica Auckland Teal" (PDF). In Marchant, S.; Higgins, P.G. (eds.). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds. Volume 1: Ratites to ducks; Part B, Australian pelican to ducks. Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press. pp. 1295–1299. ISBN 978-0-19-553068-1.
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