Deep Forest Canopy
Species Radar
Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

Blue-billed Teal

Spatula hottentota

The blue-billed teal, also sometimes called spotted teal and formerly Hottentot teal, is a species of dabbling duck of the genus Spatula. It is resident in eastern, southern, and western Africa, from Sudan and Ethiopia west to Niger and Nigeria, and south to South Africa and Namibia, and also in Madagascar. It is generally sedentary, but shows nomadic behaviour in response to water requirements, moving away if drought causes wetlands to dry out.

Where are you looking?

Select a tracking region above to ping the eBird database and reveal live hotspots for the Blue-billed Teal.

Loading sightings...

💬 Discussion

Loading comments...

Enter your name and email to join the discussion

Your email is kept private and never shared.

Low-Light Telephoto Systems

Identifying specific features of the Blue-billed Teal requires high-contrast magnification. Check out the top-rated 8x42 optics.

View Pro Optics

📘 ID Reference Card

Duck & Waterfowl ID Reference

Compact pocket-card format — print & fold. Covers plumage, field marks, and song mnemonics.

Expedition Prep

Targeting the Blue-billed Teal?

Build a custom travel itinerary around these hotpot clusters using our trip planning suite.

Open Planner