The Speckled Teal (Anas flavirostris) is a South American duck species. Like other teals, it belongs to the diverse genus Anas; more precisely it is one of the "true" teals of subgenus Nettion. It resides in the Andes in Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Uruguay and Brazil.
Mitochondrial DNA sequence data is most similar to that of the very different-looking Green-winged Teal. Apart from the mystifying relationship with the red-and-green-headed teals, it altogether most resembles the Indian Ocean radiation of teals. But the Yellow-billed Teal's unicolored underside and namesake bill are unique, as is to be expected from a species that evolved half a world apart from Bernier's or the Grey Teal.
This species is also unique among its relatives in some aspects of its post-copulation behavior: After dismounting, the drakes stretch themselves up high and swim around and alongside the females.
There are 4 subspecies; the Andean Teal is sometimes regarded as a distinct species:
- Andean Teal, Anas (flavirostris) andium
- Sharp-winged Teal, Anas flavirostris oxyptera
- Merida Teal, Anas flavirostris altipetens
- Chilean Teal, Anas flavirostris flavirostris
The Andean Teal lives in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The Sharp-winged Teal lives in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The Merida Teal lives in Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. The Chilean Teal lives in Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Argentina, and the Falklands.
It inhabits freshwater wetlands, preferring palustrine habitat to rivers. Considering its wide range and local abundance, it is not considered threatened by the IUCN.
