Cape Teal
Anas capensis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="anas-capensis"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small pale grey teal with pink bill, orange-red eye, and green speculum. The palest duck in Africa. Found on saline and alkaline lakes and pans across sub-Saharan Africa. Nomadic; follows shifting water availability. Feeds by filter-dabbling.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 38.6 cm | 15.2 in |
| Weight | 423.8333333333333 g | 14.95 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Pale gray-brown plumage with fine dark spotting on breast. Pink bill with dark ridge. Iridescent green-and-black speculum with white borders. Pale head. Sexes similar. African saline and alkaline lake specialist.
Habitat & Range
Saline, alkaline, and freshwater lakes and pans across sub-Saharan Africa from the Sahel to South Africa. Strongly associated with soda and saline lakes in East Africa's Rift Valley. Nomadic.
Geographic Range
Breeds across the Palearctic; winters on coasts from western Africa around to Southeast Asia and Australia.
Diet & Feeding
Dives for molluscs, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates; digs in mudflats; diet heavily invertebrate year-round.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 26-30 days. Fledging: 42-56 days.
Clutch Size
5-15
Sound
Song
Female gives a soft, nasal quacking series; male produces a high, piping whistle. The male's clear, piping call is unexpected for a teal; heard on Cape and Namibian estuaries.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | Anas capensis |
Distribution
Cape Teal has been recorded in 7 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Cape Teal eat?
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What does the Cape Teal sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family