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Maccoa Duck
Afrikaans name: Bloubekeend
Maccoa Duck
Photo © Steven Herbert
Oxyura maccoa
The Maccoa Duck favours permanent bodies of water and can be found over much of South Africa where suitable conditions exist.
The male Maccoa Duck is an attractive bird during the breeding season. It has a bluish bill, chocolate coloured head and orangey-brown body. Non-breeding males and females are far more drab.
Maccoa Ducks mainly feed on small invertebrates but they do also eat some plant material.
During the breeding season males establish territories and may mate with as many as 8 females. Females build their nests amongst reeds and other vegetation. Between 2 and 9 eggs are laid.
References and further reading
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 170Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Year Published: - Page: 44
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 11
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 44
Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 95
Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 97
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 80