Hottentot teal
Scientific name: Anas hottentota
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Small dabbling duck with distinctive red bill base and red orbital ring. Males have dark green heads and chestnut breasts; females are duller grey-brown.
Size and weight
Males 340–380 g, females 300–350 g; body length 33–38 cm.
Habitat
Shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, and wetlands with dense aquatic vegetation. Favours areas with reed beds and floating water plants.
Distribution
Sub-Saharan Africa, found along coastal and inland freshwater bodies with permanent and seasonal ponds.
Diet
Grazes on small seeds, aquatic vegetation, and invertebrates; insect availability peaks seasonally during rains.
Behaviour
Active at dawn and dusk, often in small groups. Rapid, agile fliers; spend daylight hours resting among vegetation.
Hunting tips
Look for tiny footprints near water margins and droppings on reed stems. Approach slowly along vegetation edges at first light when birds are feeding and moving between roosts.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.