African pygmy goose

The African pygmy goose is a small, vibrant waterfowl native to sub-Saharan Africa. Contrary to what its name suggests, it is more closely related to dabbling ducks than to geese. This diminutive bird is part of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

First described by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon in 1785, the African pygmy goose was given the scientific name Anas aurita by Pieter Boddaert in 1783. Later, in 1836, Johann Friedrich von Brandt reclassified it under the genus Nettapus. The species is monotypic, meaning there are no subspecies, and the name auritus means "eared" or "having long ears."

These birds are quite small, with males weighing about 285 grams and females around 260 grams. Male African pygmy geese are distinguished by their striking white and black facial markings, while females exhibit more subdued coloration. The ducklings resemble adult females.

African pygmy geese are nomadic, moving throughout sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar in search of suitable habitats. They favor slow-moving or still waters, often teeming with water lilies. Their diet mainly consists of water lily seeds, but they also consume other floating seeds, small insects, and invertebrates. These birds form strong pair bonds, typically breeding in response to rainfall.

Breeding African pygmy geese in captivity presents significant challenges and is rarely successful.