Found on lakes, rivers and wetlands in South America from Peru southwards. It and the very similar Andean teal (which has a grey bill and is found in Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador) were formerly considered to be one species, the Speckled teal, before being reclassified. It is more common at higher altitudes (2800-4800m) in the Andes in Peru, Bolivia and northern Chile. High altitude birds are much paler below than lowland ones and sometimes described as a separate subspecies, the Sharp-winged teal (Anas flavirostris oxyptera). Local names: pato barcino, pato piojoso, pato jergón chioco.