Movements of the grey teal, Anas gibberifrons Muller (Anatidae)

Abstract

The distribution of the habitat of grey teal in eastern Australia is summarized. It is shown that the most important breeding grounds are in the Murray–Darling Drainage Basin; the most important refuge areas are in south-eastern coastal districts. Teal movements are explosive random dispersal and individual birds show very little tendency to return to their point of origin. Despite the random nature of the dispersal regular movements occur to the coast, particularly the southern coast. The numbers of teal in eastern Australia fluctuate greatly. In times of drought irruptions occur and massive mortality follows. It is concluded that the ultimate factor determining the movements and numbers of teal in Australia is rainfall.