About Anas erythrorhyncha J.F.Gmelin, 1789
The red-billed teal (scientific name Anas erythrorhyncha J.F.Gmelin, 1789) measures 43–48 cm (17–19 in) in length. It has a blackish cap and nape that contrast with its pale face, and a bright red bill. Its body plumage is dull dark brown, marked with white scalloping. In flight, the secondary flight feathers show a buff base with a black stripe running across them. Males and females have similar appearance, while juvenile red-billed teals are duller in color than adults. This species is generally quiet; displaying males produce a whzzt call, and females give a soft quack similar to that of a mallard. The red-billed teal inhabits freshwater habitats in fairly open country, and it is omnivorous. It feeds by dabbling for plant matter or foraging on land, and is most active during the evening or at night. It builds its nest on the ground, in dense vegetation located near water. This species is one of those covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds.
