Bird Guide

African Pygmy Goose vs Green Pygmy Goose

African Pygmy Goose (Nettapus auritus)

African Pygmy Goose

Nettapus auritus

Medium266 gWetland

The African pygmy goose is one of the smallest of the perching ducks, and it has the average weight of about 285 grams (10.1 oz) for males and 260 grams (9.2 oz) for females. Length of individual wings is between 142 millimetres (5.6 in) and 165 millimetres (6.5 in) (not to be confused with wingspan). They have a short bill which extends up the forehead so they superficially resemble geese. The males have a white face with black eye patches. The iridescent black crown extends down the back of the neck. This structure fringes powder green ear patches.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa · CC BY 2.0
Green Pygmy Goose (Nettapus pulchellus)

Green Pygmy Goose

Nettapus pulchellus

Large307 gWetland

Ranging from 30 to 36 cm (12 to 14 in) in length, the green pygmy goose is one of the smallest species of duck. It has a 48 to 60 cm (19 to 23.5 in) wingspan. It has a small bill and a compact form. The breeding male has a predominantly dark green back and neck, and a dark gray crown. The cheeks are white, and the underparts are pale grey and white scalloped. The tail, primary flight feathers and primary coverts are black, while the secondary flight feathers are white. The secondary coverts are a dark iridescent green.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Stuart · CC0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: African Pygmy Goose and Green Pygmy Goose.