Aspects of the Distribution and Abundance of Chestnut Teal in South-eastern Australia

Abstract

The distribution of sight and breeding records of Chestnut Teal Anas castanea in south-eastem Australia are discussed and compared with those for Grey Teal A. gibberifrons. Records from the RAOU Atlas Scheme (1977- 1981) showed that Chestnut Teal generally occurred in the south and 71.4% records (at 10' level) were within 100 km of the coast compared to 3 1.9% for Grey Teal; breeding records showed similar differences (87.6 and 27.2% respectively). Coastal records for Chestnut Teal were relatively more numerous in Tasmania and Victoria than in South Australia or New South Wales. About 23 000 Chestnut Teal were counted towards the end of a drought in eastern Australia, mainly in January and February 1983. Of these over 70% were in Victoria and about 15% in South Australia. Data from the RAOU Freckled Duck Strictonetta naevosa survey (29 January-6 February 1983) showed that of 308 689 ducks identified 61.8% were Grey Teal and only 3.3% Chestnut Teal. Coverage of wetlands throughout the species range during these surveys was not necessarily even.