Cape Teal
Anas capensis
The Cape Teal (Anas capensis) is a uncommon ducks, swans, and geese found in 19 countries, weighing about 402 g. The Cape teal also Cape wigeon or Cape widgeon is a 44–46 cm long dabbling duck of open wetlands in sub-Saharan Africa.
About the Cape Teal
The Cape teal also Cape wigeon or Cape widgeon is a 44–46 cm long dabbling duck of open wetlands in sub-Saharan Africa.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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). 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 cannot be confused with any other duck in its range. This species is essentially non-migratory, although it moves opportunistically with the rains. It is a thinly distributed but widespread duck, rarely seen in large groups except the moulting flocks, which may number up to 2000.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Belgium, Germany, France, Malawi, United Kingdom, Sweden.
When to see it
The Cape Teal can be seen all year round, with peak activity in September. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Cape Teal?
- Like many southern ducks, the sexes are similar. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Cape Teal?
- The Cape Teal is a large sized bird weighing about 402 g.
- Where can you see a Cape Teal?
- The Cape Teal occurs in 19 countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana.
- What birds look similar to a Cape Teal?
- The Cape Teal is most easily confused with the African Black Duck, the Andean Teal and the Brown Teal.
- Is the Cape Teal endangered?
- The Cape Teal is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Cape Teal for real
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