Brown Teal

Anas chlorotis, the pāteke, is an endemic dabbling duck recovering under intensive management. It differs from grey teal through its heavier body, uniformly brown face and pale eye-ring. Males in breeding condition show a glossy green head and chestnut breast, while females remain mottled brown. Both sexes have a pale eye-ring and compact shape.

Natural and restored populations occur chiefly in Northland, Great Barrier Island/Aotea and selected release sites. It uses freshwater wetlands, estuaries and damp coastal forest margins. Pāteke feed at dusk and night on aquatic invertebrates, seeds and vegetation. They often graze damp pasture close to cover.

The checklist gives Recovering under the New Zealand system. Tāwharanui Regional Park and Aotea Great Barrier Island offer strong viewing opportunities near dusk.