The Teal in Dorset

In winter, apart from the ubiquitous mallard, teal (Anas crecca) must surely be the most numerous wildfowl species in Dorset? Whilst a small number breed further north in Britain this is another bird species that prefers to nest in the far north of Europe and Asia and are forced to migrate south when harsh winter conditions set in. As well as Dorset these birds also migrate into southern Europe and even in to Africa. They are usually seen on tidal waters in sheltered locations where they feed on both small invertebrates and vegetable matter; they prefer to feed on mudflats at low tide and unlike many ducks do not seem to like swim on water!

I think some inexperienced bird watchers may dismiss them as mallard because of the green on their head. Although closely related to mallard, teal are easily distinguished as they are much smaller and have a clearly visible yellow triangle to the rear, under the wing. This yellow is visible, especially through binoculars, from a considerable distance and is the essential mark of the teal. I think it is also true to say that they are a more social bird than the mallard and tend to keep together in quite large flocks, often a few hundred, some times a thousand, together. 

Although primarily a winter visitor and certainly not a breeding species here in Dorset teal are reported in most weeks of the year but it is week 36, as October approaches, that the autumn influx starts and records increase. Reports continue at higher levels until week 9 at the beginning of March and then the bulk of the birds seem to have gone. Being a common species in winter the level of reports does not really reflect the number of birds as they are certainly under reported. Equally, one report could equal 100 birds or more so it is important to remember the graphs are of reports of the species being present and not the number of birds present.

Seen mainly on tidal mudflats most records are from Poole Harbour, where many of the watched sites report them, as well as Christchurch Harbour and the Fleet. There are a small number of reports from inland lakes; Longham and Moors Valley mainly. Expect teal anywhere there is a large expanse of sheltered water but the largest numbers will be found on tidal margins.

A visit to Coombe Heath at Arne at low tide in winter will guarantee teal makes it on to your Dorset list.