The blue-billed teal, spotted teal or Hottentot teal is a species of dabbling duck of the genus Spatula. It is migratory resident in eastern and southern Africa, from Sudan and Ethiopia west to Niger and Nigeria and south to South Africa and Namibia. In west Africa and Madagascar it is sedentary.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs from Sudan and Ethiopia west to Niger and Nigeria, and south through Zambia to Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa; it is sedentary in West Africa and Madagascar. Prefers shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, floodplains, and small pans with abundant emergent vegetation. Frequently uses man-made dams and seasonally flooded areas. Typically avoids large open water, staying close to cover. Movements are often influenced by rainfall and water levels.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the Hottentot teal, this very small dabbling duck is widespread across eastern, southern, and parts of western Africa, and on Madagascar. It often tracks seasonal rains and may shift locally as wetlands fill and dry. The species favors quiet, well-vegetated marshes and pans and is easily overlooked due to its cryptic plumage and shy behavior. Conservation status is generally secure, though it depends on intact wetland networks.
Spatula hottentota - MHNT
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups; larger aggregations form where conditions are favorable. Forms seasonal pair bonds and nests in dense waterside cover, often in reeds or grassy hummocks. The clutch is tended covertly, and birds rely on concealment more than aggression to avoid predators.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; males give soft, whistled notes and trills, especially in display. Females produce subdued quacks and contact calls within cover. Vocalizations carry poorly and are often heard at close range only.
Plumage
Buff to sandy-brown body densely spotted and mottled, with darker upperparts and a glossy green speculum on the wing. Crown and nape appear darker, contrasting with a paler, lightly spotted face and neck. The bill is bluish-grey, appearing distinctly blue at close range.
Diet
Feeds by dabbling and up-ending in shallow water, taking seeds of aquatic plants, grasses, and sedges. Also consumes aquatic invertebrates such as beetles, fly larvae, mollusks, and small crustaceans. Diet shifts with availability, often more animal matter when breeding and more plant material in the non-breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Forages along vegetated margins of marshes, pans, and flooded fields, where it can feed under cover. Frequently uses quiet backwaters and small dams with emergent plants. Avoids exposed open water.
