Mareca

Mareca is a genus of ducks in the family Anatidae, commonly referred to as teals. The genus is placed in the subfamily Anatinae and the tribe Anatini. Molecular studies led to a reclassification that moved several teals from the broader Anas group into Mareca, reflecting genetic relationships among these dabbling ducks.

Species within Mareca are small to medium-sized dabbling ducks that typically feed at the water’s surface or by tipping up in shallow wetlands rather than diving. They have compact bodies, relatively short bills, and males often exhibit colorful breeding plumage, with females tending to be duller and cryptically colored. Members of the genus occupy wetlands across much of the Northern Hemisphere, including riparian zones, lakes, and coastal marshes. They are migratory in many regions, breeding in northern temperate and boreal areas and wintering in milder climates.

Ecology and behavior are characteristic of teals: they forage for aquatic vegetation, seeds, and invertebrates, and they often feed in flocks outside the breeding season. Courtship displays typically occur on or near the water, and nests are built on the ground close to water bodies, with eggs incubated by the female.

Conservation status varies by species and region. Overall, Mareca species are monitored for habitat loss and degradation of wetlands, which remain the critical threats to their populations. The genus is of interest to birdwatchers and researchers for its role in wetland ecosystems and its relatively widespread distribution across continents.