The Madagascar Teal is a small, rare duck that has sadly found its way to the endangered species list. Often called the Bernier’s Teal, the population of the Madagascar teal has dropped at an alarming rate within the last few years. Why is this What caused this sudden drop? The main reason, is the loss of their habitat to human development and use.

As you may have guessed by the name, their habitats are shallow lakes and rivers along the Madagascar coastline.  Madagascar Teals have reddish brown bodies and feathers that are various shades of brown.  When spread open a black patch of feathers surrounded by white can often be seen. 

Their webbed feet and bill vary in colors from pinkish, to brown to a bruised purple.
The Average weight of a Madagascar Teal is one pound and they are between 40 to 45cm in height.  The males are slightly larger than the females and a little less brown.

Being most active around dusk and dawn, this is when they search for their food.  Feeding along muddy rivers and lake-beds, the Madagascar Teal feeds on small plants, insects and occasionally invertebrates.  

The Madagascar Teals breeding season is from December to March, also known as the wet season.  Once mating has taken place and nest of reeds is constructed near the water, but occasionally they are built in trees.  The female will lay 6 or 7 small eggs and after a 27 day incubation period the eggs will hatch.  When hatched the feather of a chick Madagascar Teal are almost all black.  They will not get the adult brown colored feathers for a few more months.

The Madagascar teal is on the IUCN Red List, meaning there are very high odds this species will become extinct.  Captive breeding programs have been established to try and save the birds, however education and the protection of their homes, in the key factor to their survival. Currently the Durrel Wildlife Conservation Trust, has reared 100 Madagascar teal chick.  It is a step in the right direction.