34-38 cm; this is the smallest duck. Mainly a wintering species, some pairs do nest here and concentrations of teal can be observed in freshwater wetlands from July. It forms compact flocks that fly in a coordinated fashion when a bird of prey shows itself. Like all dabbling ducks, it is hunted and this favours the daytime gregariousness it reveals within the nature reserves, from which it emerges at night to search for food.