Nettapus auritus

(Boddaert, 1783)

Vernacular names
English : African pygmy goose
French : Anserelle naine

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 33 cm in length for a weight of 290 g. Small triangular yellow bill. Most of plumage chestnut-brown with white patch on belly and dark green upper wings. White face and neck with bright green area on nape.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to northern South Africa. Also found in coastal areas of Madagascar. Lives in swamps, marshes, shallow lakes and slow flowing rivers up to 1800 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix III
Status : The species has a large range and is locally very common. It is linked to presence of lots of aquatic vegetation. Threatened locally by habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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