Birds Around Me 0182 - Cotton pygmy goose or Cotton teal (Nettapus coromandelianus) गिर्री, गिरगिर्रा

- August 16, 2020

I photographed this bird in January 2018, in a pond in front of our home in Jabalpur. It's been in my folder for a long time as White-breasted Waterhen (जलमुर्गी, डौक). Today I saw a post by a fellow birder, photographer, and forest officer Sanjib and I immediately recalled these clicks. Thanks, Sanjib for helping me identify Cotton pygmy goose or Cotton teal (गिर्री, गिरगिर्रा) - Nettapus coromandelianus.

Cotton pygmy goose or Cotton teal (गिर्री, गिरगिर्रा) - Nettapus coromandelianus
Sanjivini Nagar, Jabalpur, MP, India
January 2018

The Cotton Pygmy Goose, also known as the Cotton Teal, is one of the smallest waterfowl in the world. In Hindi, it is affectionately called गिर्री or गिरगिर्रा. Despite its tiny size, this bird is a delightful sight on lakes, ponds, and wetlands across India.

Measuring only 26–30 cm in length, the Cotton Pygmy Goose is truly diminutive compared to other ducks and geese. Males are striking, with a glossy green back, white face and underparts, and dark wings. Females are more subdued, with mottled brown plumage and a pale face. Both sexes have short bills and rounded heads, giving them a gentle, compact look.

The Cotton Pygmy Goose is widely distributed across India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia, thriving in freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. It prefers habitats with abundant floating vegetation, where it can feed and nest safely. In India, it is a familiar resident in wetlands and village tanks, often seen in small groups.

Unlike most ducks, the Cotton Pygmy Goose is highly arboreal—it nests in tree cavities near water. It feeds mainly on seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates, often dabbling delicately on the water’s surface. Its flight is swift and direct, and despite its small size, it is capable of covering long distances. Social by nature, it is usually seen in pairs or small flocks, gliding gracefully across calm waters.

The Hindi names गिर्री and गिरगिर्रा reflect its widespread recognition in rural India, where villagers often spot it on ponds and tanks. Its gentle presence is associated with tranquility and the richness of wetland ecosystems.

Hindi Names of Cotton pygmy goose or Cotton teal (Nettapus coromandelianus): गिर्री, गिरगिर्रा

Birds Around Me - Unfinished List (अपूर्ण सूची)
https://birds.rekabira.in/p/this-is-list-of-birds-i-clicked-since.html

Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe