Falcated Duck/Teal Mareca (prev. Anas) falcata

The Falcated Duck is also called Falcated Teal because of the teal-like appearance of the drake but it is more related to the Gadwall than to the Teal. It is native to East Asia, particularly East Siberia.

After the Gadwall, the next closest relative is the Eurasian Wigeon (not the Teal); Falcated Duck hybrids with Eurasian Wigeon flocks have been recorded in the Far East.

The male has a green iridescent patch on his head reminiscent of teals, a grey body plumage with intricate patterns and long plumes on his lower back.

The female (above) has a plainer, cryptic brown plumage and plain head.

The male in eclipse plumage (above left/centre) looks similar to the female (above right).