The red-billed teal or red-billed duck is a dabbling duck which is an abundant resident breeder in southern and eastern Africa typically south of 10° S. This duck is not migratory, but will fly great distances to find suitable waters. It is highly gregarious outside the breeding season and forms large flocks.
Region
Southern and Eastern Africa
Typical Environment
Found widely from South Africa north through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and east African countries to southern Tanzania and Kenya. It favors shallow freshwater habitats including floodplains, marshes, seasonal pans, farm dams, and the vegetated margins of lakes and slow rivers. Saline and very deep open waters are generally avoided. The species readily exploits temporary wetlands after rains and may shift locally as conditions change. It also occurs on man-made reservoirs and in agricultural landscapes where safe loafing and feeding sites exist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The red-billed teal is a highly adaptable dabbling duck that tracks seasonal water, flying long distances to newly filled pans and marshes. Outside the breeding season it forms large, noisy flocks and often associates with other waterfowl. Sexes look very similar, with the vivid red bill being the standout feature. It feeds mostly by dabbling and upending rather than diving.
Anas erythrorhyncha – MHNT
Temperament
social and gregarious outside breeding season
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, whistling wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in flocks that can number into the hundreds on suitable waters. Pairs form for the breeding season, and nests are placed on the ground in dense vegetation near water. The clutch is mid-sized, and both adults attend to the brood, leading ducklings to shallow feeding areas. Roosting often occurs on exposed banks or quiet shorelines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident, locally nomadic in response to rainfall and water availability
Song Description
Generally quiet; males give soft peeping whistles while females produce a harsher quack. Contact calls are used within flocks, especially during flight and on takeoff.
