The African pygmy goose is widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Actually a species of duck, it’s the smallest waterfowl in the world.
The life of an African pygmy goose
Males have a white face with a bright yellow beak and large green ear patches, while females have a gray face and dark beak. Both have golden brown feathers on their sides. They are about 12 inches long and weigh around 10 ounces. They typically live to be 10 to 15 years old.
These small birds live near shallow water such as swamps, marshes, flood plains and slow-moving rivers. They are omnivores, feasting on insects, aquatic plants, seeds and some small fish.
They often nest in trees but sometimes build nests on the ground using termite mounds. Males and females work together to build nests using leaves, grasses and feathers. Females lay six to 12 eggs, which hatch in just under a month. Their mother plays an important role in raising the young chicks, leading them out of the nest and teaching them to find food.
Despite its name, the African pygmy goose is actually a species of dabbling duck, which explains its feeding habits: it floats on water, raises its body and dips its head down to eat.
As the smallest bird of its kind, the African pygmy goose is vulnerable to a range of predators including larger birds of prey, foxes, wild dogs and snakes.
African pygmy geese at the zoo
Located in the Vollum aviary area.
