New Zealand Scaup vs African Pygmy-goose
Aythya novaeseelandiae comparé à Nettapus auritus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribut | New Zealand Scaup | African Pygmy-goose |
|---|---|---|
| Nom scientifique | Aythya novaeseelandiae | Nettapus auritus |
| Ordre | Anseriformes | Anseriformes |
| Famille | Anatidae | Anatidae |
| Statut de conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Longueur | — | — |
| Envergure | 35,4 cm (13.9 in) | 29,9 cm (11.8 in) |
| Poids | 645,5 g (22.77 oz) | 272,5 g (9.61 oz) |
| Régime alimentaire | Dives for molluscs, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates; diet dominated by benthic hard-shelled prey in coastal … | Filter-feeds on invertebrates and seeds; dabbles in shallow ponds; diet more plant-based outside spring breeding … |
| Taille de la couvée | 2-13 | 6-12 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
New Zealand Scaup
Deep freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and large rivers across both main islands of New Zealand, particularly on high-country glacial lakes. Dives to depths of over 3 m for food. Forms large flocks in winter.
African Pygmy-goose
Freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers with floating water lilies and other aquatic vegetation across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to Tanzania. Nests in tree cavities near water. Highly dependent on water lily vegetation.
Song & Call Comparison
New Zealand Scaup
Male produces a low, soft wheeze; female gives a short, harsh quack. Relatively quiet; subdued vocalizations suit this diving duck of deep, clear New Zealand lakes and reservoirs.
African Pygmy-goose
Male produces a soft, wheezy whistle; female gives a quiet, duck-like quack. Pairs exchange rapid twittering notes during courtship on lily-covered African pools.
Geographic Range & Migration
New Zealand Scaup
Breeds in the boreal forests of Canada; winters on large lakes and coastal bays across the southern United States.
African Pygmy-goose
Breeds across temperate to sub-Arctic Eurasia; winters in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Statut de conservation
New Zealand Scaup
African Pygmy-goose
How to Tell Them Apart
New Zealand Scaup
Males entirely black with green iridescence on head; yellow eye; dark blue-gray bill. Females dark brown with white face patches around bill base. White wing stripe in flight. New Zealand …
African Pygmy-goose
Tiny. Males have glossy dark green head with orange facial patch and ear spot; chestnut-orange flanks; white underparts; black and green back. Females duller with dark eye-stripe. Small yellow-green bill.
About These Birds
New Zealand Scaup
A small compact all-dark diving duck with a yellow eye in males, known in New Zealand as the 'black teal.' Endemic to New Zealand. The only native diving duck still widespread on both main islands. Gregarious; forms large flocks on deep mountain lakes.
African Pygmy-goose
A tiny jewel-like duck—one of Africa's smallest waterfowl. Males have iridescent green-and-white plumage, an orange bill, and a dark green cap; females are mottled brown. Found on lily-covered lakes in sub-Saharan Africa. Perches on water lily pads and feeds on their seeds and flowers.