Cape teal

Cape teal

Cape wigeon, Cape widgeon

Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Anas capensis

The Cape teal (Anas capensis ) also Cape wigeon or Cape widgeon is a 44–46 cm long dabbling duck of open wetlands in sub-Saharan Africa.

Habits and Lifestyle

This species is essentially non-migratory, although it moves opportunistically with the rains. Like many southern ducks, the sexes are similar. It is very pale and mainly grey, with a browner back and pink on the bill (young birds lack the pink). The Cape teal cannot be confused with any other duck in its range.

Show More

It is a thinly distributed but widespread duck, rarely seen in large groups except the moulting flocks, which may number up to 2000.

This species feeds on aquatic plants and small creatures (invertebrates, crustaceans and amphibians) obtained by dabbling. The nest is on the ground under vegetation and near water.

This is a generally quiet species, except during mating displays. The breeding male has a clear whistle, whereas the female has a feeble "quack".

The Cape teal is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.

Show Less

Diet and Nutrition

Population

References

1. Cape teal Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_teal
2. Cape teal on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22680145/92846056

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About