African Wildlife & Environment Issue 77 FINAL ISSUE

BIRDING

The African Pygmy-goose in southern Africa is related to two species in Australia and Asia, all of which are regarded as the some of the smallest wildfowl in the world. Although they have beaks like geese, they are regarded as being more closely related to dabbling ducks. The African Pygmy-goose

roosts. Size is 33cm and weight is 260 g. There is marked sexual dimorphism (male and female birds have different coloured feathers). The African Pygmy-goose becomes relatively tame when living near human habitation. When disturbed, they prefer to hide in the floating vegetation, submersing their bodies with only their bills protruding. If flushed, they rise directly from the water with rapid flight and twisting body movements, flying low over the water and often settling very quickly back in the water after a short distance.

JOHNWESSON PHOTOGRAPHS: ALBERT FRONEMAN

In flight the white wing patches are diagnostic of this species, with the only similar species in flight being the Hottentot Teal. The mating display includes the male swimming around the female in circles with heads and necks stiffly erect followed with head nodding from side to side. Feeding These little geese are almost exclusively vegetarian, but they have been seen eating insects and small fish. The African Pygmy-goose has been observed diving for food, feeding on shoots, leaves and seeds; however, more commonly, these geese feed on the surface, utilisng their sharp-tipped bills to pierce the water lilies ( Nymphaea spp ) which are their main food source, to gain access to the ripe red or brown seed.A small percentage of aquatic insects and their larvae are taken to supplement their diet. They are very strong swimmers and divers.

General information The African Pygmy-goose Nettapus auratus develops 'eclipse plumage', typical of ducks but also found in other birds as well, which is a dull, female-like plumage worn by the male for a month or more in summer after breeding. The male bird 'eclipses' into his usual bright plumage just before breeding. This small goose is a poor walker, very rarely found on land, but is adept at perching on large branches of trees, especially trees protruding from water where it often

43 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 77 (2020)