African pygmy goose

bird

Also known as: Nettapus auritus

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The African pygmy goose (Nettapus auritus) is a very small, aquatic goose native to Africa. It is part of the family Anatidae, which also includes ducks and geese. This bird is characterized by its considerable white and green plumage and a short bill. It is one of the smallest anseriforms, weighing around 250 grams (0.5 pounds). These geese inhabit wetlands and open grassy areas.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

anseriform
General features
…pound) in weight in the African pygmy goose (Nettapus auritus) to 1.5 metres (5 feet) in length and weighing more than 17 kg (37 pounds) with a 2-metre (6.6-foot) wingspan in the trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator). The neck is medium to long. The bill is of medium length, typically broad…
Read More
…pound) in weight in the African pygmy goose (Nettapus auritus) to 1.5 metres (5 feet) in length and weighing more than 17 kg (37 pounds) with a 2-metre (6.6-foot) wingspan in the trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator). The neck is medium to long. The bill is of medium length, typically broad…
Read More

goose
… of Australia (Cereopsis novaehollandiae), the African pygmy goose (Nettapus auritus), and the solan goose (see gannet).
Read More
… of Australia (Cereopsis novaehollandiae), the African pygmy goose (Nettapus auritus), and the solan goose (see gannet).
Read More