Cape teal

Introduction: Cape teals (Anas capensis) are found in salt pans, estuaries and coastal lagoons. Their habitat range extends to sewage ponds and farm dams, resulting in a range expansion. They usually congregate in pairs or small flocks and spend much of their time standing shallow shore waters when not feeding.

Distribution: Widespread and fairly common in central and western Namibia including Skeleton Coast, northern Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay wetlands and lagoon.

Diet: Feeds mainly in shallow open waters often with just the bill submerged for plant matter such as pondweed. Water beetles are also favoured.

Description: Small to medium-sized ducks with dark pink bill. They have a brightly coloured plumage which changes to a dull colour when breeding. Most species forage near water surfaces by dabbling or up-ending.

Breeding: Nests are made in shallow depressions on the ground. Females lay between 4 and 10 eggs with an incubation period of 26 to 30 days. Males abandon females during or at the end of incubation. Predators of eggs and chicks include small mammals and other birds, mainly crows.

Size: 46cm:

Weight: 420g.