Baikal Teal
Sibirionetta formosa

At a Glance

A beautiful small duck of eastern Asia, rarely wandering into Alaska. Has been reported at a few other sites in North America, but these birds could have been escapes from captivity. Baikal Teal apparently has been decreasing on its native range in recent decades, and it may be reaching Alaska less frequently now than in the past.
Category
Duck-like Birds
Conservation
Low Concern
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines, Freshwater Wetlands, Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers, Saltwater Wetlands
Behavior
Direct Flight

Range & Identification

Description

15-17" (39-43 cm). Male has complicated face pattern of buff and dark green; pink chest separated from gray sides by white stripe. Female resembles female Green-winged Teal but has stronger face pattern, white spot by base of bill.
Size
About the size of a Crow, About the size of a Mallard or Herring Gull
Wing Shape
Pointed, Tapered
Tail Shape
Short

Songs and Calls

Male: wot-wot-wot. Female: quack. Both sexes deep-voiced.