THE COMMON TEAL 



NETTION CRECCA 



LOCAL names in surrounding counties : 



STATUS IN BRITISH AVIFAUNA : 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. 



RADIAL DISTRIBUTION WITHIN FIFTEEN MILES OF ST. 

 PAUL'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 

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