Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
B7, B11.33.w1, B29, B31, B94, B97,
D1, D8
N1.90.w1

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Geese
• Perching Ducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Cold-sensitive Birds (Category 2.) (D1)

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Perching Ducks and "geese" are generally happier maintained fully-flighted if possible, for example in an aviary for the smaller species, or under flight netting.
• While the larger species in this group are hardy, the smaller species may be more delicate and require winter shelter. These species eat a high proportion of vegetable matter and appreciate a grazing area. Most of these species are hole-nesters.
• Many of these species are sociable outside the breeding season, although Cairina moschata - Muscovy duck, Cairina scutulata - White-winged duck, Pteronetta hartlaubii - Hartlaub's duck and Plectropterus gambensis - Spur-winged goose can all be aggressive and require separate enclosures.

(B7, B11.33.w1, B94, D1)

• Pygmy geese are delicate and breed extremely rarely in captivity. They may be best maintained fully-flighted in an aviary. A raised nest box should be provided. The normal laying period is May to June (B29); eggs laid July to September, New York (N1.90.w1). Ducklings apparently feed by straining small particles from the water. Feeding may be stimulated by rapidly moving fingers in a dish of water containing fine feed; this may be required for three weeks or more. Duckweed may also be useful to encourage feeding, but may itself be too large for young downies to eat. Supplemental tube feeding has been useful in downies during the initial rearing period (N1.90.w1).

(B7, B29, N1.90.w1)

Species-specific information:

• African pygmy-geese are delicate and cold-sensitive, requiring protection and heat at night in winter. A sunny enclosure in summer, containing a well-vegetated pond, combined with a spacious heated tropical house in winter has been suggested (B31). Nutritious fine-size food, including small seeds such as millet, with additional duckweed and similar fine green food suggested.

Hybridisation with Anas sibilatrix - Chiloe wigeon reported, but no details available (B31).

(B7, B31, B97, D1).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: E 6.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

• Stimulating Feeding of Downies (Waterfowl)
• Flight Netting

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Eclipse:- Short time after breeding only. Similar to female. (B25)

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

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Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Senegal to Ethiopia and southwards to South Africa, except south-western Africa; also Madagascar. (B1, B8, B19)

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not globally threatened, fairly widespread and locally common, but declined across most of Madagascar (B1, B8).

Captive Populations

Trade