Chestnut Teal

1. Males have a glossy green head, chestnut flanks and breast, and a red eye

2. Both sexes show a green speculum bordered by white stripes in flight

3. Females are darker-faced and richer brown than Grey Teal, with a red eye and slate-grey bill

Chestnut Teals are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds that may last year-round. Breeding occurs mainly from July to December, with nests typically placed in tree hollows over water or occasionally on the ground among grass near water. Females lay 7–1 eggs per clutch and incubate them alone for about 23–29 days, while males remain nearby to defend the territory. Both parents guard the ducklings, which are ready to swim within a day of hatching and are cared for until fledging, usually after 5–6 days`.` Chestnut Teals feed by dabbling and upending in shallow water, consuming seeds, aquatic plants, insects, molluscs, and crustaceans. They are more sedentary than Grey Teal, with limited seasonal movement.

Chestnut Teals are most common in coastal estuaries, lagoons, saltmarshes, and mangrove swamps in southeastern and southwestern Australia, including Tasmania. They are also found in freshwater wetlands and urban ponds, especially where hollow trees or dense grass near water are available for nesting. These ducks are often seen in pairs or small groups during breeding, but can gather in large flocks outside the breeding season, particularly at sewage treatment ponds and other productive wetlands