Gray Teal

1. Bright crimson eyes, especially vivid in adult males

2. Small size and mottled grey-brown plumage with pale face

3. Fast wing beats and white flash on wings during flight

Grey Teal are highly adaptable, breeding opportunistically when conditions are right. They nest in tree hollows or on the ground, laying 5-9 cream-colored eggs. These ducks form long-term, monogamous pairs. Their nomadic nature allows them to quickly colonize new areas in response to changing water levels.

Look for Grey Teal in shallow freshwater lakes, lagoons, and swamps throughout New Zealand. They're most active at dawn and dusk, often seen dabbling in the shallows or resting on banks. Canterbury's Lake Ellesmere is a hotspot, along with wetlands in Hawke's Bay, Waikato, and Otago. Listen for soft whistles or quacks to locate these sometimes elusive birds.

The Grey Teal, or Tētē, dramatically increased its presence in New Zealand during the 1950s following drought in Australia. This natural colonization event showcases the bird's adaptability. While not as culturally significant as some native species, its successful establishment represents the dynamic nature of New Zealand's avifauna.