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Key information: The Teal is a small duck that visits Cyprus mainly in the winter. As with most female ducks, the female Teal has brown plumage, so she is well camouflaged when incubating her eggs. It also passes through the island during autumn and spring migration and so it can be found at coastal areas during that time. It is the smallest duck in Europe.

Length: 34 – 38 cm

Habitat: Wetlands, coastal areas

When they can be seen: Autumn, winter, spring

What they eat: Invertebrates

In Cyprus: Can be seen at natural and man-made wetlands, such as lakes, dams as well as at Larnaka sewage works

Status: Winter visitor, passage migrant

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis