Goose or duck? The African pygmy goose is a type of “perching duck” due to its stubby bill. It is widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Despite its dramatic plumage, this species remains uncommon in zoos and private collections. While its beak is more like that of a goose, the pygmy goose is actually a type of dabbling duck. Find out more!

African pygmy geese can be found in swamps, marshes, inland deltas, shallow lakes, pools, floodplains, slow moving rivers, and occasionally coastal lagoons in parts of Africa. It usually nests in tree cavities, but occasionally nests on the ground, in termite mounds, and even thatched roofs.

Nests are made of grasses and leaves, and sometimes feather down is added. Males take an active role in nest site selection and appear to actively encourage the female to inspect the nest box. Keepers say the African pygmy goose makes a serious scrape and a more elaborate nest than any other species of waterfowl.

As small “perching ducks,” they are mainly sedentary, but prone to dispersal movements following food and water availability. They also groom their feathers and swim around looking for food.

Breeding season is variable with season and locality. The birds pair up and build a nest out of grasses and leaves, sometimes lined with down. Unusual among geese, they nest above ground in tree boles and other cavities. They share the unducklike behavior of nesting in trees with the colorful Mandarin duck and the wood duck. They will use nest boxes as an alternative.

The female lays 6 to 12 creamy-white eggs between mid-May and August. The eggs are incubated for just over three weeks. Chicks have blackish down with white spots on top, and white down on their bellies.