developed upon hatching, have a layer of down feathers, can walk, function, and essentially feed themselves. Although, the chicks hatch with a layer of feather down, it is not waterproof. Since the chicks spend most of their time in the water, they rub on the parents, in doing so, they gain essential oils needed for waterproofing. Both the male and female play a large role in raising and defending the chicks until they fledge at 50–55 days old. The male, however, tends to be the most invested and will often be seen following behind separated or slower chicks. Until fledging, the chicks stay in a close group and learn quickly from their parents how to forage, swim efficiently, and avoid predators. Often, the bonded pair is able to produce two groups of offspring in one breeding season. The male will continue to care for the first group of chicks, while the female incubates the second group of eggs. The ringed teal's pair bonding behaviour makes reproduction very efficient. By the end of a breeding season it is possible for a bonded pair to have laid and hatched up to 24 offspring. Their habitats include tropical, swampy forests and marshy clearings in well-wooded lowlands, as well as secluded pools and small streams. As a predominantly aquatic species, ringed teals eat a variety of aquatic plants and invertebrates, as well as any seeds that can be found. Ringed teals are classified as “dabblers” as opposed to “divers”. Dabblers tend to feed on plant and insect material near the surface of the water, where as divers feed on plants, invertebrates, and fish deeper under the water's surface. Although dabblers may submerge their heads and upper torso while putting their tails up in the air, also known as “up-ending”, they rarely completely submerge themselves and stay under for periods of time, such as the divers do. Ringed teals can live up to 15 years in captivity, however, an average life span is not known for wild individuals. Gallery References External links Ringed Teal rotschulterenten.de ringed teal Birds of Argentina Birds of Bolivia Birds of Paraguay Birds of Uruguay ringed teal ringed teal