About Anas castanea (Eyton, 1838)
The chestnut teal, scientifically named Anas castanea (Eyton, 1838), is darker and slightly larger than the grey teal. Males of the species have a distinct green head and a mottled brown body. Females have a brown head and a mottled brown body, and their appearance is almost identical to that of the female grey teal. Female chestnut teals produce a loud, penetrating "laughing" quack that is repeated rapidly nine times or more. Chestnut teals are commonly found in south-eastern and south-western Australia, with vagrants occasionally appearing in other locations. The species' strongest populations are in Tasmania and southern Victoria. Vagrants have been recorded as far north as New Guinea and Lord Howe Island, and as far south as New Zealand. The species prefers coastal estuaries and wetlands, and is not affected by differing salinity levels. Chestnut teals are omnivores.
