The Andean Teal inhabits cold lakes and ponds of the Central and Eastern Andes of Colombia above 2500m. This species is a split from the Speckled or Yellow-billed Teal (Anas flavirostris) by their differences in bill color (black in A. andium, yellow in A. flavirostris), plumage and other characteristics. A. flavirostris is a lowland Teal, whereas A. andium is restricted to high elevations.

Most frequently seen around Bogotá and at Los Nevados National Park.