Blue-billed Teal

The Blue-billed Teal, also known as the Spotted Teal or by its scientific name Spatula hottentota, is a diminutive and charming dabbling duck. It is recognized by its distinctive light bluish-gray bill, which stands out against its predominantly brown plumage. This species is monotypic, meaning it has no recognized subspecies.

Identification Tips

Adult males exhibit a dark brown crown contrasting with a paler face, throat, breast, and sides, save for a blackish patch near the ear. Their necks and breasts are adorned with black spots that extend to the flanks and abdomen, becoming more vermiculated towards the posterior. The scapulars and tail are dark, with the upper wing surface showing a greenish gloss. A striking iridescent green speculum is present on the secondaries, framed by black and white bars. Females are less vivid, with browner crowns and less pronounced facial markings. Juveniles resemble females but are duller and less distinctly marked.

Habitat

The Blue-billed Teal favors environments rich in floating-leaf vegetation and fringe plants, such as shallow freshwater swamps, marshes, streams, and small lakes with reedy or papyrus edges. They are often found dabbling in the twilight and night hours in shallow waters, retreating to deeper, safer parts of the marsh by day.

Distribution

This species is found across 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, while in other regions, it may undertake short migrations in response to water availability.

Behaviour

The Blue-billed Teal is partly migratory, with movements linked to water levels. It is a sociable bird, often seen in small groups or pairs. Breeding can occur year-round, depending on rainfall, with nests constructed above water in tree stumps, lined with vegetation.

Song & Calls

Both sexes emit a series of clicking notes when disturbed or in flight. Males have a unique wooden rattling call, while females produce a typical quack and a shorter decrescendo call.

Breeding

Breeding behavior is understated, with bonds likely forming annually. Courtship displays include head-turning and silent inciting movements by the female, with males responding in various ways, including a soft burping call. Clutch sizes range from 6 to 8 eggs, with incubation lasting 25 to 27 days. Males may remain nearby during incubation, but do not participate in brood rearing.

Similar Species

There are no similar species that would cause confusion with the Blue-billed Teal due to its unique coloration and size.

Diet and Feeding

Omnivorous, the Blue-billed Teal feeds on grass seeds, particularly those of Sacciolepis, and aquatic invertebrates like crustaceans, molluscs, and water insects. It forages by dabbling, swimming, or walking, often in well-vegetated areas.

Conservation status

The Blue-billed Teal is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, habitat degradation poses a threat to its populations. Conservation efforts include protecting wetlands and controlling hunting to ensure the species' survival.