Duck with striped brown plumage, with a white spot near the beak. The white-backed duck has a white back to its flank. It floats low on the water. Its characteristic silhouette distinguishes it from other ducks.

The teal measures between 38 and 40 cm. Its head is dark brown, its neck is short. It swims submerged in water. Its curvature resembles that of a sheaf. Partly nomadic; small groups are observed in ponds and ponds with emergent aquatic plants, especially water lilies.

In flight, it shows its white back. It is found in Madagascar, Ethiopia, Angola, South Africa, Senegal, Mali, Chad and Nigeria. It is an aquatic species that has difficulty moving on land.

It feeds underwater. The nest is placed near water. The population is dependent on its living environment. The population is between 14,000 and 31,000 individuals. The species is not considered threatened.