Game Birds of the World

In South America, flock sizes of Brazilian teal appear to be quite small, and flocks probably consist of family units. The pair bond is seemingly quite strong and, considering the absence of a dull non-breeding "eclipse" plumage in males, is quite probably permanent. Very few nests have actually been found in the wild, but evidence supports the idea that the birds normally nest on sedge hummocks surrounded by water, although at least one nest has been found in a tree about eight feet above the ground. The clutch size is from 6–8 eggs, which are incubated entirely by the female. The incubation period lasts 25 days; and as soon as hatching occurs, the female and brood are joined by the male, who helps protect the young.