Cotton Pigmy-goose
1. Bird Name
The engaging English term for this bird is the Cotton Pygmy-goose and is often referred to by enthusiasts as the cotton teal. Scientifically, it carries the Latin moniker Nettapus coromandelianus.
2. Appearance
Dainty and eye-catching, the Cotton Pygmy-goose’s coloration alludes to its name. The males exhibit an alluring contrast of white (resembling cotton) and iridescent, sleek, green-black color patterns. Their plumage is finely marked, with vividly colored metallic green on their backs and delicate, intricately patterned pale white undersides. For an extra dash of charm, males have deep black underwing feathers. The females are not as vibrantly colored – they flaunt a muted color scheme dominated by shades of dull chestnut brown, white and greys, but retain the black underwing feathers. Both males and females possess a pinkish bill, and their eyes gleam with an interesting dark-brown hue.
3. Size
The Cotton Pygmy-goose is a compact species, measuring a petite 26-30 cm (approximately 10-12 inches) in length. Despite its small size, its wingspan is fairly wide, reaching up to 47-55 cm (18-21 inches) across. These little avian wonders weigh in the range of 160-280 g (5.6-9.9 oz).
4. Habitat & Distribution
This bird has a wide geographical range that includes India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It prefers tropical and subtropical habitats and is typically found in slow-moving freshwaters such as swamps, lakes, and ponds rich with heavy vegetation. They take a particular liking to lotus beds and floating vegetation.
5. Interesting Facts
One fascinating fact about the Cotton Pygmy-goose is its outstanding agility in the water – it’s known as a ‘perching duck’ and is adept at diving and swimming underwater. In addition, it is a highly nomadic bird, moving in response to the availability of water. Importantly, this species plays a significant role in local cultures – the bird is often depicted in traditional Aboriginal artworks in Australia.
6. Diet
Unsurprisingly for water-dwellers, Cotton Pygmy-geese feed primarily on aquatic plants, especially seeds and fruit, but they will also eat small insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Cotton Pygmy-geese are a gregarious lot. They love socializing with fellow birds during molting and post-breeding seasons, forming large flocks. When it comes to flight, their agility is enviable, as they can take off vertically, even from water. Mating displays consist of ritual head-bobbing, wing-flapping, and gentle billing. The call of these geese is a soft, high-pitched ‘peep-peep’ sound.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Cotton Pygmy Goose is classified as ‘Near Threatened.’ Their numbers have been decreasing due to loss of wetland habitats, pollution, and hunting pressures.
9. Lifespan
Commonly, the Cotton Pygmy-goose lives up to 6-8 years in the wild. Data on their lifespan in captive conditions is still minimal.
10. Additional Notes
In addition to their English and scientific names, this bird carries a distinctive moniker in Australia – ‘Kurruwal’ in the Macassan language. These birds are rarely known to interact with humans due to their shy disposition.
