Teal Anas crecca

Smallest British duck, commonly seen dabbling along shorelines

Habitat: freshwater and estuaries

Common and widespread in Britain

Male has chestnut and green head, yellow rear end and white flank stripe; female is mottled brown and buff

Forms groups dabbling at water's edge

Eats aquatic vegetation and seeds; flight strong and fast often twisting in small tight flocks

Nest is a lined hollow in marsh or reeds

1 brood April – May; 8-12 creamy buff eggs