Yellow-billed Duck

Anas undulata

Other Names

  Yellowbill, African Yellow-billed Duck   Canard à bec jaune   Gelbschnabelente   Anade Picolimón     Geelsnaveleend   Anatra dal becco giallo

World: Local in East and South Africa.

Kenya: Widespread in the central and western highlands, mainly above 1600m, on freshwater lakes ponds and marshes. Breeds only above 1500m.

The bird above, which was photographed at a local wildfowl centre, is probably Anas undulata ruepelli, based on the patch of blue to the rear of the wing. Anas undulata undulata, which is the more commonly seen in Kenya has a somewhat paler yellow bill and lacks the blue patch. Ruepelli is more likely to be seen at the northern edge of its Kenyan range. In our experience the best (easiest) place to see the Yellow-billed duck is at Lake Nakuru. It's difficult to confuse with any of the other ducks in Kenya; some have a generally similar appearance but none have the bright yellow bill.