Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata)


22 inches long

Surprisingly obvious name. Note flash of blue on wing.

Found from South Africa north (including Angola) to Central Africa and Ethiopia. Not in the drier Namibia and Botswana, and not in north or west Africa north of a line from Angola to Ethiopia.

Common and gregarious species that occurs in large flocks except when breeding. Found on all open waters (lakes), rivers, and estuaries.

Feeds by upending or putting its head in water. Eats grass and monocotyledon seeds (true grasses and grains).


Photographed at Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg, South Africa.