Identification

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The cotton pygmy goose (Nettapus coromandelianus), also known as the cotton teal, is a small perching duck found in Asia, Southeast Asia, and Queensland, Australia, where it is sometimes called the white-quilled pygmy goose. They thrive in water bodies with abundant vegetation and are among the smallest waterfowl, weighing as little as 160 grams. These ducks are usually seen in pairs or small groups, nesting in tree hollows near water and dispersing widely, especially in winter. Males have distinct dark brown and green plumage, while females have duller colors with a brown eye-stripe. They feed on small fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants. Breeding during the rainy season, they lay 6-12 eggs in tree nests. Predators include rock pythons, and they can host various parasites. Historically, they were hunted and sold in markets but were not considered good eating.