Watery home. African pygmy geese can be found in swamps, marshes, inland deltas, shallow lakes, pools, floodplains, slow moving rivers, and occasionally coastal lagoons in parts of Africa.

The African pygmy goose usually nests in tree cavities, but occasionally nests on the ground, in termite mounds, and even thatched roofs. Nests are made of grasses and leaves, and sometimes feather down is added. Males take an active role in nest site selection and appear to actively encourage the female to inspect the nest box. Keepers say the African pygmy goose makes a serious scrape and a more elaborate nest than any other species of waterfowl.

As small “perching ducks,” they are mainly sedentary, but prone to dispersal movements following food and water availability. They also groom their feathers and swim around looking for food.

African pygmy geese are seedeaters, especially seeds from water lilies and vegetative parts of other aquatic plants; aquatic insects and small fish may also be consumed. At the Zoo, they may eat waterfowl pellets and small seeds, along with aquatic plants like duckweed.