Balkal Teal

A face with a black, green, and brown Tomoe-shaped pattern

Scientific name	Anas formosa
English name	Balkal Teal
Japanese name	巴鴨
Classification	Aves
Classification details	Anseriformes Anatidae
Full length	40cm
Distribution	It migrates south of Honshu as a winter bird.

Characteristics

The male's face is characterized by a black, green, and light brown Tomoe pattern. Black lines hang from the eyes like tears. The body is about one size larger than a teal. The upper side of the body is brown. The shoulder feathers are long and hang down to the sides, so that when on the water, they almost touch the water surface. The beak is lead-colored.

Ecology

They fly to rivers, lakes, and ponds as winter birds. On the Japan Sea side, they can gather in large flocks of hundreds of birds. On the Pacific side, they are rare. They are omnivorous and feed near water.

Habitat

Senryu-ji Benzaiten Pond

At the beginning of the year, I photographed a male flying into the pond of Senryu-ji Benzaiten Pond. It was swimming calmly among the spot-billed ducks. After a while, it came up onto land, moved a little, and then went into another pond. Its face was very beautiful.