description Silver Teal Overview
The silver teal, Spatula versicolor, is a small dabbling duck native to southern South America and associated with shallow freshwater wetlands. It has a finely patterned body, a dark cap, and a broad bill colored pale blue with a yellow area near its base. Like other dabbling ducks, it normally feeds at or just below the water's surface rather than diving deeply, taking aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and other plant material.
help Silver Teal FAQ
What is the silver teal's scientific name and native range?
It is Spatula versicolor, a small dabbling duck native to southern South America. It uses shallow freshwater wetlands such as Patagonian steppe lagoons in Argentina and Chile. [Argentine biodiversity service](https://sib.gob.ar/especies/spatula-versicolor)
How can I identify a silver teal in the field?
Look for a dark cap, finely patterned body, and broad pale-blue bill with a yellow area near its base. Adults are about 30 cm long. [Argentine biodiversity service](https://sib.gob.ar/especies/spatula-versicolor)
What does a silver teal eat, and where does it nest?
Field descriptions list plant material and insects as its likely food. It nests in reeds and grass near water and often swims in shallow areas. [Argentine biodiversity service](https://sib.gob.ar/especies/spatula-versicolor)
Is the silver teal threatened?
The silver teal is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and as not threatened in Argentina. It still depends on functioning wetlands, lagoons, and reedbeds for feeding and nesting. [Argentine biodiversity service](https://sib.gob.ar/especies/spatula-versicolor)
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