They are found in most dams, floodplains and larger ponds throughout SA except for the arid regions of the north-western Cape.
When not breeding, they can be found in large flocks of up to 2000 birds.
They forage in grasslands and cultivated field during the early morning and evening eating grass shoots and seeds, lucerne, aquatic plants and fruit.
Clutches of eggs number between 6-12 which they lay in a grass-lined hollow in the ground.
Info: Robert’s Birds of Southern Africa
