Ducks and geese possess many endearing qualities, but the space and flowing water required by most species can be a challenge for private keepers. The African Pygmy Goose, Nettapus auritus, is an ideal alternative to its larger relatives. This diminutive bird, though not common in captivity, is quite hardy once established.
Description and Taxonomy
The African pygmy goose (Nettapus auritus) is a small perching duck found in sub-Saharan Africa. Although it has a beak like a goose, it's actually more closely related to dabbling ducks. The beauty of this bird quickly aroused the interest of aviculturists.
The African pygmy goose got its scientific name, Nettapus auritus, a long time ago. The first part of its name, Nettapus, comes from ancient Greek words. Nētta means "duck" and pous means "foot." People thought this bird had the body and feet of a duck, but the neck of a goose!
The African pygmy goose is one of the smallest perching ducks. Males usually weigh about 285 grams, and females are a bit lighter at 260 grams. They have a short beak that extends up their forehead.
Male Appearance
Male African pygmy geese have a white face with black patches around their eyes. The top of their head is shiny black and goes down the back of their neck. Their upper neck is white, forming a collar. The bottom of their neck and chest are a light chestnut color. Their sides are a deeper chestnut, and their back is a shiny green. Their tail feathers are black. Their wing feathers are black with shiny green on the top, except for a white stripe on the lower wing feathers. Their belly is white. They have a yellow beak with a black tip and dark gray or black feet.
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Female Appearance
Female African pygmy geese have a gray face with a dark brown stripe through their eye. They also have smudged brown patches on their cheeks and the back of their neck. Their chest and sides are a dark chestnut color. Their back is dark brown. Their wing feathers are dark brown-black, except for a white stripe on the lower wing feathers. Their belly is white. The bottom part of their beak is yellow, and the top part is mottled brown with a dark brown tip.
Duckling Appearance
Baby African pygmy geese have a white face with black markings. These markings are similar to those on the adult female. They have a dark gray patch around their eye. Their rump and sides are white, while their back and tail are black. Their neck, chest, and belly are light gray to white. Their wings are black. The bottom part of their beak is pink, and the top part is gray with a light brown tip.
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Habitat and Distribution
Averaging 12 inches in length, the African Pygmy Goose is the smallest of the world’s waterfowl. African Pygmy Geese are widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. They reside in swamps, marshes, flooded savannas, sluggish rivers and similar densely-vegetated habitats.
The African pygmy goose is known to be a nomad. This means it often moves from place to place. It likes to live in places with slow-moving or still water. These habitats often have lots of water lilies.
Diet and Feeding Habits
The seeds of water lilies and other aquatic plants appear to be the Pygmy Goose’s primary food, although shoots and leaves are also taken. The African pygmy goose mainly eats the seeds of water lilies. But it also eats other floating seeds and small insects.
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Nesting and Breeding
African Pygmy Geese typically nest in tree hollows, but seem more flexible in this regard than related species. Nests have also been found in rock cavities, abandoned termite mounds, thatched roofs and within the nests of larger birds. They usually start breeding when the rainy season begins.
Males take an active role in nest site selection and appear to actively encourage the female to inspect the nest box. The birds pair up and build a nest out of grasses and leaves, sometimes lined with down. The female lays 6 to 12 creamy-white eggs between mid-May and August. The eggs are incubated for just over three weeks.
Conservation Status
The outlook for the Pygmy Goose’s survival varies over its wide range. While some populations of pygmy geese are increasing, others are falling throughout its wide range.
Due to the wide range of habitat, African pygmy geese are considered least vulnerable on the IUCN list. In some regions, dams have created shallow, weedy waters that are perfect habitat and their numbers have increased. In other areas the introduction of tilapia, a non-native fish, has changed the aquatic plant life that the pygmy geese rely on for food, therefore pushing these birds away from some areas.
Additional Facts
- It wasn’t until the 1930’s that the first pair of African Pygmy Geese arrived inEngland.
- African pygmy geese are shy and secretive, fleeing to thick brush when disturbed.
- Even though Lucy’s namesays she is agoose, she is actually a duck.
Table: Key Characteristics of the African Pygmy Goose
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Smallest waterfowl, around 12 inches in length |
| Habitat | Swamps, marshes, flooded savannas in Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar |
| Diet | Seeds of water lilies, aquatic plants, small insects |
| Nesting | Tree hollows, rock cavities, termite mounds, thatched roofs |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
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