Species Fact Profile: African Pygmy Goose (Nettapus auritus)

                                                                African Pygmy Goose

Nettapus auritus (Boddart, 1783)

Range: Sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopia to South Africa), Madagascar

Habitat: Freshwater Lakes and Ponds, Wetlands

Diet: Aquatic Plants, Seeds, Aquatic Invertebrates, Small Fish

Social Grouping: Pairs, Small Family Flocks

Reproduction:  Nest in tree cavities, termite mounds, or other holes.  Breeding is triggered by rainfall.  Females incubate clutch of 6-12 eggs for 2-4 weeks.  Both parents care for the young until the fledge at about 2 months.  Sexually mature at 2 years old.

Lifespan: 10-15 Years

Conservation Status: IUCN Least Concern, CITES Appendix III

• The world’s smallest species of waterfowl (a title sometimes awarded to the Indian pygmy goose).  Body length 30-33 centimeters.   Weight 260-285 grams.  Males are slightly larger.  They have shortened bills, rounded heads, and short legs
• Males have a white face with black eye patches and an iridescent black crown, which extends down the back of the neck, with green ear patches.  The upper half of the neck is white, forming a collar, while the base of the neck and breast are chestnut color, growing richer on the flanks.  The back is metallic green, the belly is white.  The bill is yellow with a black tip, the feet are dark gray or black.  The iris is reddish-brown.·         
• Females are somewhat similar, but with a gray face and dark brown eye-stripe and a dark brown back.  The upper part of the bill is mottled brown.  Ducklings resemble adult females
• Primarily aquatic, not coming onto shore often.  Prefer roosting on partially submerged trees or on branches overhanging the water.  Primarily crepuscular, spending the day hiding among the water lilies
• Not migratory, but are somewhat nomadic, making movements in response to seasonal rains·         
• Despite the name, they are not closely related to geese, instead being named for their goose-like beak.  They are more closely allied to the dabbling ducks
• Threats include habitat loss caused by wetland drainage/siltation and the introduction of invasive species, as well as pollution from agricultural chemicals.  In Madagascar, they are in decline due to hunting pressure·        
• Shy and secretive, do not reproduce easily under human care.  They do their best in heavily vegetated habitats with access to several types of nest site.  Though they can be exhibited in indoor or outdoor habitats, they are cold-sensitive and need access to heat.  They are easily mixed with a variety of other species