The cotton pygmy goose or cotton teal is a small perching duck which breeds in Asia, Southeast Asia extending south and east to Queensland where they are sometimes called white-quilled pygmy goose. They are among the smallest waterfowl in the world and are found in small to large waterbodies with good aquatic vegetation. They are usually seen in pairs or larger groups of pairs, roosting and nesting on trees near water. They are strong fliers and are known to disperse widely, especially in winter. Their breeding season coincides with the rains.
Region
South and Southeast Asia to northern Australia
Typical Environment
Occupies calm freshwater habitats including lakes, ponds, oxbows, marshes, and flooded paddy fields with abundant floating vegetation. Prefers water bodies rich in water lilies, lotus, and other emergent or floating plants for both cover and food. Avoids fast-flowing rivers and open coastal waters. Often perches and nests in nearby trees, using cavities or old holes made by other species. After monsoon or wet-season rains, it disperses to ephemeral wetlands and temporarily flooded areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Among the smallest waterfowl, the cotton pygmy goose is a perching duck that often roosts and nests in tree cavities near water. Males show bold white wing-quills in flight, inspiring the name 'white-quilled pygmy goose' in Australia. They disperse widely with seasonal rains and can appear suddenly on newly formed wetlands. Pairs are strongly bonded and often seen together year-round.
Male in flight, the white band on the dark wing is broad. The green gloss on the upper wing coverts is distinctive.
Female in flight, the white trailing edge is restricted mainly to the secondaries
Female with dark eye-stripe, nominate population (Thailand)
Temperament
wary but social in small groups
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small aggregations of pairs. Nests in tree cavities close to water, often lined with down; the female incubates while the male stands guard. Broods are led to water soon after hatching and remain closely attended by the parents.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; vocalizations include soft, high-pitched whistles and peeping notes, especially during courtship and in flight. Females may give low quacks or murmurs when communicating with the brood.
Plumage
Compact, glossy-backed duck with smooth, neat plumage. Male has bright white head and underparts contrasted by dark glossy green to black upperparts and a stark white wing patch. Female is browner with subtle mottling, a pale face with darker eye patch, and less contrast overall.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds, buds, and leaves of aquatic plants such as water lilies and lotus, as well as duckweeds and rice grains in flooded fields. Supplements diet with small aquatic invertebrates, including insects, snails, and crustaceans, especially during breeding. Forages by dabbling and picking from the surface rather than deep diving.
Preferred Environment
Chooses sheltered, vegetated freshwater with extensive floating plants where it can forage and hide. Often feeds along edges of lily pads and among emergent vegetation, moving into temporarily flooded areas after rains.
