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Cape Teal

distribution of the Cape Teal
Names, conservation status and distribution
cape teal, canard du cap, cerceta de el cabo, duck, birds of kenya, birds of africa, water birds, Nicolas Urlacher, wildlife of Kenya
Lake Nakuru
cape teal, canard du cap, cerceta de el cabo, duck, birds of kenya, birds of africa, water birds, Nicolas Urlacher, wildlife of Kenya
Lake Magadi

cape teal, canard du cap, cerceta de el cabo, duck, birds of kenya, birds of africa, water birds, Nicolas Urlacher, wildlife of Kenya
Lake Nakuru
cape teal, canard du cap, cerceta de el cabo, duck, birds of kenya, birds of africa, water birds, Nicolas Urlacher, wildlife of Kenya
Lake Magadi
cape teal, canard du cap, cerceta de el cabo, duck, birds of kenya, birds of africa, water birds, Nicolas Urlacher, wildlife of Kenya
Lake Nakuru

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) obtained by dabbling. The nest is on the ground under vegetation and near water. In Kenya it is common on alkaline Rift Valley lakes but wanders to fresh waters. 

 

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.

 

Source : Wikipedia