Not widely used in fly tying
Classification and Habitat
Scientific Name: Nettapus auritus
Found in sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar.
Belongs to the dabbling duck category despite resembling a goose due to its stubby bill.
Physical Characteristics
Smallest of Africa’s waterfowl and among the world’s smallest at around 285 grams for males and 260 grams for females.
Short bill, resembling that of a goose, extends up the forehead
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males: White face with black eye patches, iridescent black crown extending down the neck, chestnut-colored base of the neck and breast, metallic green back, black tail feathers, yellow bill with a black tip
Females: Gray face with dark brown eye stripe, dark chestnut breast and flanks, dark brown-black wing feathers, yellow lower part of the bill with a mottled brown upper part and dark-gray to black feet
Ducklings: White face with black patterns, dark gray eye patch, black crown extending in a V-shape, white rump and flanks, black back and tail, pink lower bill with gray upper part and dark-gray to black feet
Conservation Status
Covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA)
The African pygmy goose, despite its resemblance to geese, falls under the dabbling duck category and is notable for its small size and distinctive physical features, displaying sexual dimorphism among males, females, and ducklings.