Appearance: - The Hottentot Teal has a black cap which extends to just below the dark-brown eyes, black nape, a whitish-buff coloured lower face and throat. a dark patch on the upper neck or ear, pale blue beak with black line running down middle, the neck, breast and front flanks are grey-brown with dark brown spots, buff rear-flanks and abdomen, dark-brown back, rump and tail, dark-brown wings with slight green-blue gloss and a green iridescent speculum, and bluish-grey legs and feet. Both sexes are similar.
Size: - Typical Adult is 30-35cm (12-14in).
Food: - Insects, larvae, crustaceans, molluscs, aquatic vegetation, seeds, and roots.
Habitat/Range: - Freshwater lakes, marshes, pools, and streams in eastern & southern Africa, and also Madagascar.
Breeding Habitat/Resident, 
Migration or Winter Area.Breeding Season: - January to April in South Africa or June to October in eastern Africa (Kenya).
Eggs: - 5 to 9 (creamy or buff colour).
Notes: - The Hottentot Teal is a very small dabbling duck and the smallest duck in Africa. It has a similar plumage to the Puna Teal and the Silver Teal.
Conservation status (IUCN 3.1):
Least Concern.
Classification: - Family: Anatidae,
Subfamily: Anatinae, Genus: Anas.
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