Whistling Ducks upend while swimming to harvest underwater seeds, snails, larvae, and insects. They usually feed at night. Cape Teal are mainly surface feeders and eat water plants and seeds. They will take some insects and small mollusks. Comb Ducks feed on grain, aquatic plants, insects, frogs and fish.
Nests are usually on the ground in high grass.
Parents have a strong pair bond and both of them help care for the young. Cape Teal eggs hatch after 23-25 day incubation. Cape Teal are good parents and vigorously defend their young against other birds, large or small. But because Cape Teal fathers help rear the babies, fewer of the offspring die. During breeding season, each male Comb Duck may have several mates.