THETeal belongs to the order Anseriformes, family Anatidae, aquatic birds known as ducks. It is part of the group of “surface ducks”, which only immerse their heads to feed themselves, without going under the water completely. It is the smallest European duck, with a total body length of 34-38 cm. The sexes are morphologically different. The male of theteal it is gray in color, with the head of a characteristic dark metallic brown, on which curved green stripes edged in yellow stand out, starting from the eye towards the back of the head; suede-colored spots are evident on the back of the body. The female ofteal instead it is brownish, similar to that of other species of the same group; however, it is easily recognized by the females of Garganey, very similar, due to the lack of a characteristic design on the lower parts. In flight it has a compact and harmonious shape; the dark wings and head are especially evident and, on the wingspan of both sexes, an intense green band (the "mirror", corresponding to the secondary flight feathers), larger than other similar species. The teal has a tendency to fly almost vertically, without running, and its flight is rapid, irregular and generally at low altitude. Form large groups.
ALZAVOLA: Habitat and distribution area
THEteal it nests in not too deep and open bodies of fresh water, rich in vegetation where it builds its nest, in particular in the thickest portion near the water. It feeds mainly on vegetables that it looks for on the surface of the water, stretching its neck, or walking along the edges, where the depth is minimal. In winter it gathers in quite numerous flocks that feed near the shore, near the reeds along rivers and lakes. It can often be seen in large compact groups, flying in the typical "V" formation. In Europe theteal it nests continuously in the northern and eastern regions, while the range is more fragmented in the central areas. The populations of northern Europe move to the southwest in autumn, depending on the climatic conditions, to overwinter in the southernmost portions of the continent, where the coastal marine waters are also colonized. In Italy theteal it is mainly migratory and wintering (it is the third most abundant species among ducks), nesting only (irregularly) in some areas along the Adriatic coast, in the Po Valley, in some central regions and in Puglia.
ALZAVOLA: Population size and trend
The European populations of breeding teals have been estimated at 1-1.600.000 pairs (Heath et al., 2000), while the breeding contingents in our country are reduced to 20-50 pairs (Brichetti & Fracasso, 2003). The populations of northern Europe reach Italy to winter in large groups; the Italian estimates, for data collected between 1996 and 2000, speak of more than 67.000 individuals, with a probable overall numerical increase in populations compared to previous years (Baccetti et al., 2002). Conservation and management This species is not considered threatened and is not protected. However, the breeding population of teal in Italy is included in the Red List among the endangered species. In any case, the small size makes the teal more sensitive than species similar to cold temperatures and especially to night frosts, while it is looking for food in the water. Some recent environmental improvement interventions in the region, in the agro-environmental field (creation of wetlands with shallow waters), have increased the presence of the Teal in the winter season (Vigorita et al., 2003a).
ALZAVOLA: Conservation and management
The teal has a herbivorous diet and forces it to feed for 12/16 hours a day, making them particularly vulnerable (Fornasari et al., 1992). Since it is theteal a mainly maritime and coastal species, it suffers less than other water birds from the loss of internal wet habitats (especially fresh water) due to reclamation works. L'teal one of the ducks most subjected to hunting pressure, in terms of the number of individuals hunted and in terms of sensitivity to the disturbance; nevertheless, within certain limits it appears capable of reacting positively to this type of stress. The conservation of the Wigeon is linked to the existence and maintenance of feeding areas, especially coastal and lagoon areas with shallow tides; moreover, careful management of hunting is of primary importance, with a reduction in the second half of the winter season, when individuals are unable to feed themselves sufficiently at night (ie when the disturbance is minor). Contrary to other Anatids, it is essential for the teal species to maintain large, non-fragmented, sheltered aquatic areas for daytime resting, capable of hosting large flocks (Brichetti et al., 1992).
__fg_link_0__ due to its smaller size, the body of a more squat shape, the hind limbs longer than the forelegs. The color of the coat ranges from sandy to dark gray-brown; the back is reddish, the abdomen and the lower part of the ...
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