Ringed Teal

Callonetta leucophrys

RANGE South America from southern Bolivia, Paraguay, and southwestern Brazil, to northeastern Argentina and Uruguay

HABITAT Wetlands

DIET Water plants, insects, seeds

The ringed teal has long toes with strong, pointed claws. This adaptation allows them to sit and nest in trees. They are dabbling ducks (surface feeders). Adults are sexually dimorphic.

Chicks obtain oil for waterproofing their feathers by rubbing against their mother's abdominal plumage.