African pygmy goose
Nettapus auritus
At the Detroit Zoo
The African pygmy goose can be found inside the Matilda R. Wilson Free-Flight Aviary where more than 20 species of birds are free to fly, walk or swim among the cover of lush tropical plants in a warm and inviting climate.
Description
African pygmy geese are mostly white, with spots of green. The females have white faces with gray spots and black under their eyes. Both the males and females have a red tint on their bellies with green markings on the rest of their bodies. They have short bills, rounded heads and short legs.
Fun Facts
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African pygmy geese most commonly eat the seeds of water lilies and will live in places based on the amount of water lilies in a specific aquatic area.
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African pygmy geese are actually considered “perching ducks”.