Maccoa duck

The Maccoa Duck is a small, distinctive waterfowl native to Africa, easily recognized by its stiff tail. An adult male stands out with his striking chestnut-colored body, blue bill, and black head. In contrast, adult females exhibit a more subdued appearance with a grey-brown body, dark grey bill, and a dark brown crown, nape, and cheek stripe.

These ducks have an extensive breeding range across Africa. In eastern Africa, they can be found from Sudan and Ethiopia stretching down to Tanzania, and even extending westward into eastern Zaire. They are also present in southern Africa, from Zimbabwe down to the Cape Province of South Africa. During the breeding season, Maccoa Ducks prefer shallow freshwater habitats. However, in the winter months, they are known to venture into brackish and saline lakes.

In 2017, conservationists expressed concern over the Maccoa Duck's declining numbers, updating its status from "Least Concern" to "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. This change underscores that their population is more precarious than previously believed, signaling a pressing need for increased conservation efforts.