Scientific Name: Nettapus pulchellus
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated
Length: 30–36 cm
Incubation: 26 days
Number of eggs: 8–12

Distribution: Northern Australia
Habitat: Freshwater lagoons

Description: The Green Pygmy Goose has a unique pattern of black and white lined feathers on most of its body. Its back is a deep green colour. The Pygmy Goose has a brown head and a short, strong bill, which it uses as a weapon.

Diet: The Green Pygmy Goose is a herbivore and eats aquatic plants, seeds, fruit and leaves.

In the wild: These birds almost never come ashore. When they do, they often walk very clumsily and they are also reluctant to fly. Green Pygmy Geese mate for life. Males will find potential nesting sites but the female will make the final decision. When the female is nesting, the male will defend the site very aggressively. When the eggs hatch, he helps to rear the young.

Threats: Habitat destruction is a threat to these birds.

At Perth Zoo: You can see Green Pygmy Geese at the Australian Bushwalk Walk-through Aviary and the Tropical Aviary next to Meerkats Café.