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, B94, B97, B139
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:

• Cotton pygmy-geese are more winter-hardy than the other pygmy geese and have been maintained outside even with weather sufficiently cold to partially freeze their pond, although they are still considered cold-sensitive.
• Small seeds (e.g. finch mix, budgie mix) and waterweeds or other green food, also starter crumbs may be fed.
• Breeding may be best if birds of this species are kept in a colony on a large open sunny pond. Nest boxes 30x30x48cm, with a 9cm diameter hole 12cm from the top of the box should be provided, a ramp giving access to the box and nesting material (sawdust and fine shell grit) provided inside.
• Parent-rearing has been successful where shallow water allowed small particles to be stirred up by the adults and eaten by the ducklings (N1.90.w1). Parents are good sitters and are attentive to the ducklings, usually rearing them (B139)

(B97, N1.90.w1, D1). B139

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:- Similar to females, but upperparts darker; retain male wing pattern (B3, B6, B25).

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Families stay together until fledging (B8).

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Mainly sedentary. Some northern birds (e.g. China) move to lower latitudes. Some dispersal in rainy season (B3, B8)

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not considered globally threatened, and locally common, but Australian sub-species Nettapus coromandelianus albipennis numbers low. (B1, B8)

Captive Populations

Trade