Birds of Australia Ducks, Geese, Swans (Anseriformes) Cotton Pygmy-goose
NEW| Cotton Pygmy-goose |
DescriptionThe smallest of the Indian wild ducks, white predominates in the plumage. Bill short, deep at base, and goose-like. Male in breeding plumage is glossy blackish green crown, with white head, neck, and underparts; a prominent black collar and white wing-bar. Rounded head and short legs. In flight, the wings are green with a white band, making the male conspicuous even amongst the huge flying flocks of the Lesser Whistling Duck, which share the habitat. Female paler, without either black collar and only a narrow or nonexistent strip of white wing-bar. In non-breeding plumage (eclipse) male resembles female except for his white wing-bar. Flocks on water bodies (jheels), etc. Call: A peculiar clucking, uttered in flight DistributionIt is largely resident, apart from dispersion in the wet season, but Chinese birds winter further south. It nests in tree holes, laying 8-15 eggs. This is an abundant species in Asia, although the slightly larger Australian race appears to be declining in numbers. Found on all still freshwater lakes (jheels), rain-filled ditches, inundated paddy fields, irrigation tanks, etc. Becomes very tame on village tanks wherever it is unmolested and has become inured to human proximity. Swift on the wing, and can dive creditably on occasion. FoodChiefly seeds and vegetable matter, especially water lilies; also insects, crustaceans, etc. NestingSeason- July to September (SW. monsoon). Nest- a natural hollow in a tree-trunk standing in or near water, sometimes lined with grass, rubbish and feathers. Eggs- 6 to 12, ivory white. Media
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