Waterfowl Taxon Advisory Group

10/12/2026

Friendly reminder that October through March is breeding and nesting season for the world's rarest goose, the nēnē. You could encounter these precious native birds throughout the park.

Please help protect nēnē! Drive attentively and watch out nēnē especially on roadsides and in parking areas. Never feed them. Admire these charismatic birds from a distance of at least 60 feet, about four car lengths.

Learn more about the federally threatened state bird and rarest goose on earth on the park website:

https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/nature/nene.htm

NPS Photo/J.Wei of two lovebirds (love geese?) necking on volcanic cinder with vegetation in the background.

10/08/2026

10/06/2026

! The whistling ducks are generally associated with the tropics, the 8 species being found spread across the world - but two species are also native to the United States. What are they?

10/05/2026

10/02/2026

Many zoos highlight the African pygmy goose; less commonly encountered is its equally-beautiful relative, the Indian pygmy goose... now on display at Akron Zoo!

Have you seen the new Indian Pygmy-Geese in Komodo Kingdom? These beautiful birds are the smallest type of waterfowl in the world!

10/01/2026

Worlds collide! This aviary at Zoo New England's Stone Zoo features birds from the Americas and Asia - the later represented with TAG-managed red-breasted geese and scaly-sided mergansers! Thanks for sharing, ZNE!

09/30/2026

Hartlaub's Duck (Pteronetta hartlaubii)

The taxonomic placement of this West-and-Central African duck is uncertain, though it is (currently) believed to be allied to the white-winged wood duck and marbled teal. A large bird, males can weigh over 1100 grams which, combined with their sometimes pugnacious nature, can make them a challenge in aviaries. Like many waterfowl they feed on aquatic invertebrates and plants, but individuals have been seen perched on the backs of buffalo and antelope, pecking off ticks and other parasites - now there's an exhibit idea for you!

09/29/2026

Time for more with our latest quiz! Can you sort the species of (true) geese provided into their respective genera - Anser or Branta?

Can you sort the species of geese into their proper genus - Anser (