Yellow-billed duck
Scientific name: Anas undulata
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
A medium-sized dabbling duck with a distinctive bright yellow bill and overall dark greyish-brown plumage. Males display a darker head and neck than females; both sexes show white wing speculum in flight.
Size and weight
Males average 650–900 g, females 550–750 g. Body length 51–58 cm.
Habitat
Yellow-billed ducks favour shallow open and semi-open water bodies including lakes, lagoons, and riverine margins. They tolerate both freshwater and brackish conditions with minimal emergent vegetation.
Distribution
Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, predominantly along the Rift Valley and coastal wetlands from south Sudan to South Africa. Favours areas with reliable freshwater input.
Diet
Primarily grazes on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and small aquatic invertebrates; diet shifts to include more insects and crustaceans during summer months.
Behaviour
Active both day and night with peaks at dawn and dusk. Typically seen in small flocks or pairs; wary and alert with quick takeoff.
Hunting tips
Look for tracks and concentrated droppings along water margins indicating feeding sites. Approach into the wind and move deliberately when birds are grazing near shore. Use available cover and time your approach for dawn or dusk when ducks feed actively in shallows.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 4 countries 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.