Cape teal

Cape teal
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Subfamily: Anatinae
Genus: Anas
Species: A. capensis
Binomial name
Anas capensis
Gmelin, 1789

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

Biology

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.

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)[2] 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.

References

  1. ↑ BirdLife International (2012). "Anas capensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  2. ↑ Hockey, P.A.R., Dean, W.R.J., Ryan, P.G. (Eds). 2005. Roberts – Birds of Southern Africa, VIIth ed. The trustees of the John Voelcker bird book fund, Cape Town.
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