ANIMAL: Lesser Brazilian Teal Amazonetta brasiliensis Type of Animal: Duck Habitat: Freshwater areas w/ dense vegetation, wetlands, freshwater lakes, pools, lagoons, marshes, riverine areas, small lakes in dense forests, densely vegetated inland ponds, densely vegetated inland lakes Location(s): Brazil, Guiana Shield, C Venezuela, E Colombia, NE Peru Appearance: Both sexes have light brown plumage (female plumage duller) & pale gray on head/neck sides, males have red bill/legs/feet, dark crowns, iridescent green-blue upper wings/dark lower wings, females have much duller dark gray bills w/ duller red legs/feet, white patches above eyes, & white throat, juveniles look somewhat like females but even duller Food/Diet: Seeds, roots, fruits, aquatic plants, greens, insects, worms Status in Wild: Stable Conservation: Breeding in zoos, aquariums, private breeders, & aviculture Lifestyle: Flocks of 2-20 birds Additional Info: Called: Male: Drake Female: Hen Young: Duckling Group: Flock Weight: 12.35 oz Gestation: 3-4 weeks Life Span: 10-15 years Height: 1.14 ft Body Length: 1.14 ft Also called Lesser Brazilian Duck. These birds are nonmigratory. Females build nests in thick vegetation surrounded/near water but also use tree hollows, abandoned tree nests, & occasionally, Females lay 6-12 pale cream or yellow-tinged eggs & breed once or twice a year. They’re agile fliers. Courtship involves male swimming ahead of female & whistling as well as preening display showing wing iridescence. Often seen w/ ibises & whistling ducks. Sometimes hunted for food & as crop pests. Sexually mature at a year old. Often hybridize w/ closely related Greater Brazilian Teals. Active during the day (diurnal).
