THE COMMON TEAL 
NETTION CRECCA 
LocaL names in surrounding counties : 
Status iN British Avirauna: A common and widely 
distributed resident in all suitable localities, especially 
in the north; largely increased in numbers in autumn 
by migrants, and subject to much wandering during the 
non-breeding season. 
RapiaAL DistrRIBUTION WITHIN FIFTEEN MILES OF ST. 
Paut’s: ‘The Teal has been recorded as breeding in 
Richmond Park, but possibly the fact is an exceptional 
one, as competent observers fail even to record the bird 
even as a casual visitor to that locality. I have no 
evidence to show that the ‘Teal breeds anywhere within 
the Metropolitan area. It may do so in the more remote 
and rural suburbs, and I should like to be acquainted 
with any fact to confirm it. At present I can only say 
that the Teal is an occasional visitor to many waters 
within our radius during winter, and that it possibly 
resorts to some of the more centrally situated lakes to 
fraternise with the half-wild Ducks that frequent them. 
I have records of this bird from Osterley and Kingsbury 
and I believe examples have frequently been obtained 
in the Harrow, Wembley, and Epping districts. It is 
also known as a winter visitor to Wanstead, and there are 
certain mill-dams in Surrey where it is to be found every 
winter. 
Many ‘Teal reach our islands in September, but 
larger numbers do so in October. During winter it is 
more or less gregarious, associating also with other species. 
It is partial to ponds and lakes where the banks afford 
plenty of cover, and prefers fresh water to the coast. Its 
flight is rapid and powerful ; it swims well and buoyantly, 
but it does not dive, obtaining its food in the shallows or 
320 
