Ringed teal

The ringed teal (Callonetta leucophrys) is a small duck of marshes, pools, and forest wetlands native to south-central South America. It is the only species of the genus Callonetta. Formerly often placed with the perching ducks in the tribe Cairinini, this species is now known to be closer to shelducks and belongs in the subfamily Tadorninae.

The ringed teal is 35–38 cm (14–15 in) long, with a 70 cm (28 in) wingspan, and a weight of 190–360 g (6.7–12.7 oz). The drake has a rich chestnut back, pale grey flanks, and a salmon-coloured breast speckled in black. A black band runs from the top of its head down to the nape.

Females have an olive-brownish back, a head blotched and striated in white, and pencilled barring on a pale chest and belly. Both males and females have a dark tail, a contrasting pale rump, and a distinctive white patch on the wing. The bill is grey and legs and feet are pink in both sexes. Pairs easily bond.

Their contact calls are a cat-like mee-oowing in ducks and a lingering peewoo in drakes. The male and female retain similar plumage throughout the year, lacking an eclipse plumage. Ringed teals also have webbed toes with long, pointed claws that allow the birds to sit on tree branches.