CAPE TEAL (Anas Capensis)

The Cape is a relatively pale coloured Teal but nevertheless very attractive. Much of the plumage is distinctly spotted and the markings on the bill are equally appealing in that it is light pink with narrow black margins and base and a blue tinge on the anterior portion.

Distribution is throughout South Africa except the easternmost part and the species moves about according to rainfall and seasonal conditions.
It frequents large and small sheets of water and marshes in open and Savannah country and it is often found around salt lakes. Both vegetable and animal matter constitute the diet of this dabbling duck. It is not very vocal but during the breeding season the female emits a low quacking sound and the male has a rather husky whistle.

In captivity they are treasured because of their pretty shape, their light tone and their beautiful pink bill. Although not cavity nesters in the wild, the female is not averse to laying her eggs in a raised box erected in the enclosure. Mixed corn or wheat along with a compound pellet are suitable feeding stuffs and they breed readily in captivity.