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Blue-billed teal
The blue‑billed teal is a small and often overlooked dabbling duck native to a wide range of wetland habitats across most of Africa, as well as Madagascar. You can find our female in the aviary next to the Bird Hyde, sharing her exhibit with the Vasa Parrots.
Class:
Aves
Order:
Anseriformes
Family:
Anatidae
About the blue-billed teal
This adaptable species feeds omnivorously, dabbling for aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and plant material depending on availability. Blue‑billed teal are typically seen in pairs or small groups and are known for nomadic movements in response to changing water levels, relocating when drought reduces suitable habitat.
Conservation
The blue‑billed teal is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Although widespread across regions of eastern, western, and southern Africa, the species faces pressures linked to wetland degradation and the loss of shallow freshwater habitats.