Hottentot Teal

Anas hottentota

Other Names

    Sarcelle hottentote   Hottentottenente   Cerceta Hotentote     Hottentottaling   Anatra ottentotta

World: Africa: S of 15°S occurs in all but the most arid areas. N of this it is limited to the E of the continent (including Madagascar). There is also an isolated population in Chad and N Nigeria.

Kenya: Found mainly in the Highlands and surrounding plateaux, but also occurs around Lake Turkana. Wanders to most types of water, both seasonal and permanent, although it is absent from the coast.

Particularly abundant in Kenya during the period November to April. Prefers habitats with large amounts of floating and emergent vegetation. Spends a significant proportion of the day sitting on the shore-line.