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Its distinctive goose-bill is what caused this waterbird to be misnamed - it has a duck's aquatic prowess.

Description: The Green Pygmy Goose has a unique pattern of black and white lined feathers on most of its body. Its back is a deep green colour. The Pygmy Goose has a brown head and a short, strong bill, which it uses as a weapon.

Diet: The Green Pygmy Goose is a herbivore and eats aquatic plants, seeds, fruit and leaves.

In the wild: These birds almost never come ashore. When they do, they often walk very clumsily and they are also reluctant to fly. Green Pygmy Geese mate for life. Males will find potential nesting sites but the female will make the final decision. When the female is nesting, the male will defend the site very aggressively. When the eggs hatch, he helps to rear the young.

Threats: Habitat destruction is a threat to these birds.

Did you Know?

Male Green Pygmy Geese have a higher-pitched call than females.

Precinct
Australian Wetlands
Scientific Name
Nettapus pulchellus
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Body Length
30–36 cm
Weight
Class
Bird
Incubation
26 days
Number of Eggs
8–12
Distribution
Northern Australia
Habitat
Freshwater lagoons
Region
Australia
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