Identification
Largest of the three endemic New Zealand teal species. Both sexes are primarily dark brown in color. Male in breeding plumage has green iridescence on head. Females and juveniles are a duller dark mottled brown. Both sexes show conspicuous white eye-ring around a dark brown eye. Mostly restricted to northern North Island (Northland, Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula). Successfully bred in captivity for reintroduction efforts across the country in predator controlled areas. Crepuscular to nocturnal, favoring margins of small streams with overhanging vegetation and even stock ponds for feeding and breeding. Distinguished from similar looking Gray Teal and vagrant Chestnut Teal by lack of red eye, and lack of obvious white patches on the upperwing.