Sibirionetta formosa

Baikal Teal

Family: Anatidae · Class: Aves · Order: Anseriformes

The Baikal Teal is a small dabbling duck native to eastern Asia, with males displaying one of the most distinctive plumage patterns among waterfowl. Adult males in breeding plumage measure 39 to 43 cm (15.4 to 16.9 inches) in length with a wingspan of 65 to 75 cm (25.6 to 29.5 inches). Males exhibit a striking facial pattern with a dark green and buff crescent extending from the eye to the nape, bordered by white stripes. The crown and throat are dark brown, while the breast displays prominent vertical black and white stripes. The flanks show distinctive long, drooping scapular feathers with cream and black striping. Females are mottled brown overall with a distinctive white spot at the base of the bill and subtle facial striping that echoes the male pattern. The species breeds primarily in eastern Siberia, from the Yenisei River east to Kamchatka and south to northern Mongolia and northeastern China. During winter, most populations migrate to wetlands in eastern China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. In North America, Baikal Teal occurs as a rare vagrant, with documented records primarily from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. California has recorded fewer than 10 confirmed sightings since 1970, typically along the coast or in Central Valley wetlands during fall and winter months. Breeding habitat consists of shallow freshwater wetlands, including lakes, marshes, and slow-flowing rivers in taiga and forest-steppe zones. During winter, the species utilizes coastal lagoons, estuaries, rice fields, and shallow freshwater marshes. In California, vagrant individuals have been observed in managed wetlands, sewage treatment ponds, and coastal estuaries alongside other dabbling ducks. Baikal Teal feed primarily by dabbling and surface filtering, consuming aquatic invertebrates, small crustaceans, seeds, and green vegetation. During breeding season, females require protein-rich invertebrates for egg production, while males consume more plant material. Nesting occurs from May through July, with females constructing down-lined nests in grass tussocks or low shrubs near water. Clutch size ranges from 6 to 10 eggs, with an incubation period of 24 to 25 days. Ducklings fledge after approximately 50 days. The species exhibits strong site fidelity to both breeding and wintering areas, with established flyway routes through eastern Asia. Males form pair bonds on wintering grounds and accompany females to breeding territories. Post-breeding molt migration occurs in late summer, with birds gathering at traditional molting sites before autumn migration. Globally, Baikal Teal populations appear stable, though comprehensive surveys across the vast breeding range remain limited. The species faces localized threats from wetland drainage, agricultural conversion, and hunting pressure in some regions. Climate change may affect breeding habitat availability in northern latitudes. In North America, the species receives protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, though its vagrant status means it has no specific conservation designation in California or federally.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.