Bird of the week – Pygmy goose
There is no tribal name and in Afrikaans it is die dwerggans.
An uncommon to rare resident but nomadic, found in the subtropical parts of the East and North of South Africa from Durban, over most of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Northern Botswana.
These geese like clear to tropical to subtropical waters with emergent waters and floating vegetation, floodplains, pans, quieter backwaters also estuaries. Food is mainly ripe seeds of waterlilies, insects and fish fry.
Usually in pairs or small groups, but occasionally flocks up to 500 birds. They are highly aquatic, but may perch on logs and trees. Easily overlooked when sitting quietly in water among plants and overhanging branches. Flying short distances when disturbed, usually fast and low over water. They forage by diving or on surface of water.
The call is a soft whistled choo-choo – peewee and a two syllable whistle tsu – tswi. The female has a weak quack.
Breeding takes place from November to May. The nest is usually a hole in a tree sometimes up to 20m above ground. Usually nine ivory, white eggs are laid. The incubation takes 23 to 24 days and they are fledglings for 56 to 57 days.
There is no tribal name and in Afrikaans it is die dwerggans.
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