Anas capensis

(Gmelin, 1789)

Vernacular names
English : Cape teal
French : Canard du Cap

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a length of 48 cm for a weight of 502 g. No sexual dimorphism. Plumage grey with fine black spotting on head, bigger black spots on breast, flanks and belly. Bright pink bill with black base. Brownish wings.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Southern Africa, from Angola to South Africa. Scattered populations from Ethiopia to Tanzania, and around Chad, Niger and Nigeria. Lives in shallow lagoons, estuarine areas, mangroves and mudflats.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : At least locally common but remains mostly scarce throughout its range. Has benefited from artificial waterbodies creation. Still shot in parts of range.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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