Cotton Pygmy-Goose Bird Details
Nettapus coromandelianus
Cotton Pygmy-Goose,Indian Pygmy-Goose, Little Cotton Duck;
Bulee
Johann Friedrich Gmelin, 1789
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Nettapus
India (Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Assam), Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Appearance :
The Cotton Pygmy-Goose is a small, compact duck with a distinctive plumage. Males are characterized by their greenish-black head, white cheeks, and a striking white stripe along the neck. The body is predominantly white with a brownish back and a pale belly.
Behaviour :
These ducks are generally shy and prefer to stay hidden among vegetation. They are often seen dabbling for food on the water's surface and are good divers. They are also known to be monogamous, forming pairs during the breeding season.
Habitat :
Cotton Pygmy-Geese inhabit freshwater wetlands, ponds, and marshes with abundant vegetation. They prefer areas with floating plants, which provide cover and food.
Diet :
Their diet primarily consists of aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They are found across South Asia and Southeast Asia, with a range that includes India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Population Size :
It has a large population estimated to be 59,000 - 1,100,000 individuals.
Life Span :
The typical lifespan in the wild is around 5 to 7 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Cotton Pygmy-Goose has a compact and small body, well-adapted for living in dense aquatic vegetation. The plumage is predominantly white with a brownish back and a distinctive greenish-black head.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is round and characterized by a greenish-black coloration with white cheeks and a white line extending down the neck.
- Bill: The bill is relatively short, broad, and slightly flattened, adapted for dabbling.
- Bill Length: About 2.5 to 3 cm long.
Length :
Typically measures around 30 to 38 cm in length.
Neck :
The neck is short and thick, blending into the body, which gives it a compact appearance.
Size :
Considered a small duck species; males and females are similar in size.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and rounded, typically not very prominent.
- Tail Length: Approximately 7 to 9 cm.
- Feathers: The feathers are mostly white with a brownish upper body and a distinctive greenish-black head. The plumage is soft and dense, providing insulation and waterproofing.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 300 to 500 grams.
Wing :
The wings are relatively short and rounded, allowing for quick flaps and agile maneuvers in dense vegetation.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 60 to 75 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Cotton Pygmy-Goose has a round head with a distinctive greenish-black crown and white cheeks, giving it a unique appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is often built in dense vegetation near water bodies or in natural cavities.
- Nest made up of: Nests are made up of grasses, reeds, and other available plant materials, often lined with feathers for insulation.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period typically occurs from April to August.
Nesting Season :
Nesting season aligns with the breeding period and is generally during spring and early summer.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually white or pale cream.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 cm long.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 3 to 4 cm wide.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 30 to 50 grams.
Clutch Size :
Clutch sizes typically range from 6 to 10 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally, they raise one brood per season, but under favorable conditions, they may attempt a second brood.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 25 to 28 days
Nestling Period :
The young ducklings are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching. They remain dependent on their parents for food and protection for about 6 to 8 weeks.
Vocalization :
They produce a variety of sounds, including soft whistles and quacks.
Sex Demorphism :
Males and females are similar in appearance, but males may be slightly larger.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Cotton Pygmy-Geese are primarily resident but may exhibit local movements in response to changing water levels and food availability.
- Migration Period: Migration is not common, but if they do move, it usually happens in response to seasonal changes, particularly during the dry season.
- Migration Route: They do not have a defined migration route, as most populations remain in their breeding areas year-round, although some may disperse to find suitable habitats.
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