Baikal Teal
Sibirionetta formosa
The Baikal Teal is a rare and occasional winter visitor to Britain, typically seen in small numbers at wetland sites, particularly in the south and west of the country. It is most likely to be encountered during periods of cold weather, when individuals may be displaced from their normal wintering grounds in eastern Asia.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Baikal Teal in the field.
The Baikal Teal can be identified by its distinctive head pattern, featuring a grey crown, white forehead, and yellow patch above the bill, as well as its pale grey-brown breast and flanks, and green speculum with white borders. Its overall appearance is also characterized by a relatively small size and slender build.
The Baikal Teal is slightly smaller than a Eurasian Teal, with a length of approximately 39-43 cm, making it a relatively compact and agile duck.
The male Baikal Teal has a striking plumage, featuring a grey crown, white forehead, and yellow patch above the bill, with a pale grey-brown breast and flanks, and a green speculum with white borders on its wings, which is most vibrant during the breeding season.
The female Baikal Teal has a more subdued plumage, lacking the bright yellow patch and green speculum of the male, with a generally duller brown-grey colouration, although it retains the distinctive head pattern with a grey crown and white forehead.
The Baikal Teal has a high-pitched, whistling call, often transcribed as a sharp "pee-pee-pee" or "weet-weet-weet", which is typically heard from males during the breeding season.
The Baikal Teal is a social species, often found in small groups, and is known for its agile and swift flight, as well as its tendency to feed on small invertebrates, seeds, and aquatic plants in shallow wetlands and marshes.
The Baikal Teal can be confused with the Eurasian Teal, but can be distinguished by its distinctive head pattern, smaller size, and more slender build, as well as its pale grey-brown breast and flanks, which are darker and more reddish-brown in the Eurasian Teal.
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