File:Two Hottentot teals swimming on water - DPLA - 68983900e0e32b19eaf06f7846b16cf5.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Anseriformes; Family: Anatidae; Genus: Anas; Genus species: Anas punctata. Animal characteristics: Weight: .2 kg; Identification: Hottentot teals have a grayish-blue bill, a black cap down to their eyes, and yellow cheeks. Their coloration is a mottled yellow and black with black wings; Habitat: Shallow swamps and marshes; Diet: Carnivore: insects, larvae, mollusks, crustaceans; Reproduction: The hottentot teal breeding season is highly variable and is based on the local environmental conditions. They are capable of nesting any time of the year. All of the parental care is done by the female; Social Structure: Pairs are only formed during the breeding season. Small groups are more common during the nonbreeding season. Temporary flocks will form as the birds rest ashore; Behavior: As a nocturnal species, hottentot teals forage at night and are most active in the predawn and twilight hours; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: While other species are well on the wing, the hottentot teal is not easily flushed. It remains on the shore hidden by vegetation, so it often overlooked by predators.