Green pygmy goose facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green pygmy goose |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Nettapus
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| Species: |
pulchellus
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The green pygmy goose (Nettapus pulchellus) is a small type of perching duck. It lives and has its babies in southern New Guinea and northern Australia.
Contents
What is a Green Pygmy Goose?
This little duck was first described in 1842 by a bird expert named John Gould. Its scientific name, pulchellus, comes from a Latin word meaning "pretty."
The green pygmy goose is part of a special group of ducks called Nettapus. There are only three species in this ancient family, and they are quite unique!
Appearance and Features
The green pygmy goose is one of the smallest ducks in the world. It is about 30 to 36 centimeters (12 to 14 inches) long. Its wings can spread out to about 48 to 60 centimeters (19 to 24 inches).
This duck has a small beak and a compact body. The male green pygmy goose is very colorful, especially when it's time to find a mate. It has a dark green back and neck, with a dark gray head. Its cheeks are white, and its belly is a mix of pale gray and white.
The female looks a bit different from the male. She has a striped neck, but her body colors are similar to the male when he's not in his brightest breeding feathers. Young ducks are not as brightly colored and have mottled brown heads.
When it comes to sounds, the male green pygmy goose makes a high-pitched whistle. The female has a lower-pitched call.
Where Do They Live?
You can find the green pygmy goose in southern New Guinea and across the northern parts of Australia. This includes areas like Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. They also sometimes fly to places like Timor-Leste.
These ducks usually stay in one area. However, during the wet season, they might move around a bit. They love to live in places with lots of plants, like lowland lagoons and other permanent freshwater areas.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Green pygmy geese build their nests inside hollows in trees. The female usually lays between eight and twelve eggs. It takes about 26 days for the eggs to hatch, and then tiny ducklings emerge!
