Wildlife

Wild Teal Duck Winter Welfare

Teal are small dabbling ducks that winter on UK wetlands in large numbers. Their welfare depends on access to undisturbed, shallow feeding habitats.

Key Facts

UK wintering teal numbers exceed 100,000 birds from northern European populations
They feed in very shallow water on seeds and invertebrates
Teal are easily disturbed and flush readily from feeding sites
They concentrate at key wintering sites when other areas are frozen
Teal are legally shot as quarry in the UK from September to January

Welfare Considerations

Teal regularly disturbed from feeding areas at key wintering sites incur energy costs during a period when maintaining body condition is critical. Wetland management that provides undisturbed shallow feeding areas supports teal welfare. The intersection of teal welfare with wildfowling raises questions about shooting pressure at important wintering sites.

What You Can Do

Support WWT wetland conservation that provides teal feeding habitat
Record teal flocks through WeBS wetland bird surveys
Engage with the evidence around sustainable wildfowling management