How can I tell the difference between a Crested Duck and a Gray Teal ? (1 Viewer)

[Xelioszzapporro!!]

The Gray Teal or also known as Anas Gracilis is a species of duck that lives in Australia and New Zealand while the Crested Duck also know as Lophonetta Specularoides is a duck that lives in the Andes of South America and the Southern tip of South America.

To me they look the same. They are to my eyes ostensibly indistinguishable. Does anybody know how can I tell them apart ? I would appreciate it a lot fellas cause I am trying to learn a lot about ducks.

This is the Gray Teal (Anas Gracilis)

View attachment Bkt48NJ.jpg

And this is the Lophonetta Specularoides the Crested Duck



@Bewick @aeshna5 @Joern Lehmhus @jurek @smiths @nartreb @Southern Viking @Stephen Dunstan @TheBlackGrouse @THE_FERN

 

[Bewick]

Not familiar with either of these ducks but I've noticed a few differences through a quick scroll of Ebird images, Crested duck has a tuft, an unmarked rear and the folded wings are relatively unmarked (especially the lower half). Edit- Crested duck have longer tails.

 

[Xelioszzapporro!!]

Crested duck has a tuft, an unmarked rear and the folded wings are relatively unmarked (especially the lower half). Edit- Crested duck have longer tails

Indeed. Lophonetta folded wings and it's rears are both unmarked unlike the Anas Gracilis.
And you are right about the tuft in the back of it's neck too. Thanx sir, I didn't notice it before.

 

[Bewick]

Indeed. Lophonetta folded wings and it's rears are both unmarked unlike the Anas Gracilis.
And you are right about the tuft in the back of it's neck too. Thanx sir, I didn't notice it before.

No problem, also awesome profile pic- one of my favourite species.

 

[THE_FERN]

Also (rest of) head shape. Note the steep forehead in crested duck. There will doubtless be some individual grey teal which look a bit similar but in general this should be clear at distance. The dark on the grey teal head often makes a cap and may be quite diffuse (little difference from the rest of the head). Crested ducks often have a darker eye mask

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

Grey Teal have a green speculum. Crested Duck has a gorgeous hot pink speculum.

 

[Welsh Peregrine]

Crested Duck is also significantly larger, mallard sized rather than teal sized.