Senegal to Ethiopia southwards, except south-western Africa; Madagascar.
 
Population
Estimated population is 110,000 - 270,000 (2010).
Status LC
Habitat degradation such as the destruction of aquatic plant communities through the introduction of exotic fish, siltation, pollution, drainage, human disturbance and hunting are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Predominantly the seeds of water-lilies, although the seeds and vegetative parts of other aquatic plants, aquatic insects, small fish may also be taken.
African Pygmy Goose (Nettapus auritus) [XC300492]
by Peter Boesman from Lake Awassa, Ethiopia (call, display call)
African Pygmy Goose (Nettapus auritus) [XC647147]
by id from Mookgophong\/Modimolle (near Euphoria Golf Estate and Hydro), Bosveld, Limpopo, South Africa (song)