African
Pygmy Goose
Nettapusauritus
Photographed at Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida Mar 2011
Although called a goose, this is
Africa's smallest duck. It can usually be found in small groups among floating
vegetation throughout tropical Africa and Madagascar. Large concentrations may
form during molt.
These ducks are quite sexually
dimorphic. The drakes have a yellow bill and white face with a large,
dark-bordered pale green patch at the back of the head. The sides of the
female's face are whitish with grey speckling and she has a narrow black
eye-stripe. Both sexes have rufous under parts.
They avoid coming on land, but may be
seen perched on branches overhanging the water. They feed chiefly on the
surface, but also dive for part of their diet.
These birds normally nest in tree
holes. A clutch consists of 6-11 ivory-white eggs.
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