Cotton Teal (Nettapus coromandelianus) – A Comprehensive Study

 

The Cotton Teal (Nettapus coromandelianus), also known as the Indian Pygmy Goose, is a small, striking waterfowl species found in various parts of Asia. It belongs to the family Anatidae and is recognized for its distinctive appearance and agile flight. In the Sundarbans, this species plays an essential role in maintaining ecological balance by contributing to wetland biodiversity.

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Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Genus: Nettapus
• Species: Nettapus coromandelianus
• Common Names: Cotton Teal, Indian Pygmy Goose

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Morphology and Identification

The Cotton Teal is the smallest species of waterfowl in India, displaying unique sexual dimorphism.

Male

• The male has a distinctive white head with a greenish-black crown extending to the back of the neck.
• The upperparts are glossy green, contrasting with the bright white underparts.
• It has dark green wings, which are noticeable in flight.
• Eyes are dark, and the beak is short and greyish.

Female

• The female is duller compared to the male, with a brownish-grey head and a darker patch near the eye.
• The upperparts are grayish-brown, and the underparts are white with a more muted contrast.

Size & Weight

• Length: 26–30 cm
• Wingspan: 42–50 cm
• Weight: 160–260 g

Flight & Behavior

• The Cotton Teal has a swift and direct flight pattern, often flying in small groups.
• It is highly agile and maneuverable, capable of taking off almost vertically from the water.

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Habitat and Distribution

The Cotton Teal primarily inhabits freshwater wetlands, lakes, ponds, and marshes across India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Southeast Asia.

Preferred Habitat

• Still or slow-moving water bodies with abundant aquatic vegetation.
• Frequently found in swampy regions, oxbow lakes, and flooded fields.
• Avoids fast-flowing rivers or deep water bodies.

Global Distribution

• Widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia.
• Found in countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China.

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Diet and Feeding Behavior

The Cotton Teal is an omnivore but primarily feeds on aquatic plants.

Diet Composition

• Vegetation: Seeds, leaves, and shoots of aquatic plants.
• Insects & Invertebrates: Small mollusks, aquatic insects, crustaceans.
• Algae & Floating Matter: Feeds on floating weeds and soft aquatic plants.

Feeding Technique

• They engage in dabbling, often dipping their head into the water while keeping the body afloat.
• Occasionally dive for food but prefer surface foraging.

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Reproduction and Nesting

Breeding Season

• The breeding season varies across regions but generally falls between June and September (monsoon period in India).

Nesting Behavior

• Nests are usually made in tree cavities, old woodpecker nests, or hollows near water bodies.
• Occasionally nest in dense vegetation close to wetlands.

Eggs & Incubation

• The female lays 6–12 creamy white eggs in a well-concealed location.
• Incubation lasts around 23–26 days, performed solely by the female.
• The male remains close by but does not participate in incubation.

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Special Features of Cotton Teal

1. Smallest Waterfowl in India – Their small size allows them to move swiftly in dense vegetation.
2. Vertical Take-Off – Unlike most ducks, they can take off almost vertically from the water.
3. Strong Pair Bonds – They form monogamous pairs and stay together during the breeding season.
4. Arboreal Nesting – Unlike most ducks that nest on the ground, the Cotton Teal prefers tree hollows.
5. Agile Flight – One of the fastest flyers among ducks, often seen flying rapidly in a straight path.

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Presence in the Sundarban

The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, provides a unique habitat for the Cotton Teal. This region’s rich wetlands and shallow water bodies make it an ideal location for this species.

Occurrence in the Sundarbans

• Found in freshwater pockets, estuarine wetlands, and shallow ponds within the Sundarbans.
• Prefers the inner, less saline areas rather than the highly brackish coastal zones.
• Observed near mudflats and sheltered lagoons where aquatic vegetation is abundant.

Challenges in the Sundarbans

• Habitat Loss: Due to rising salinity and shrinking freshwater zones, suitable nesting areas are reducing.
• Climate Change: Frequent cyclones and flooding affect their nesting and feeding patterns.
• Human Disturbance: Increased human activity and fishing practices impact their breeding sites.
• Predation: Vulnerable to predation by monitor lizards, birds of prey, and small mammals.

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Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
• Major Threats: Habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change.
• Conservation Efforts:
  • Protection of wetland ecosystems.
  • Conservation of freshwater habitats within the Sundarbans.
  • Regulation of fishing activities to prevent habitat destruction.

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Conclusion

The Cotton Teal (Nettapus coromandelianus) is a charming, ecologically significant waterfowl that thrives in wetlands across South and Southeast Asia. While its population is stable globally, localized threats in the Sundarbans, including habitat loss, rising salinity, and climate change, pose risks to its long-term survival.

Importance of Conservation

• Protecting freshwater habitats in the Sundarbans is crucial for sustaining this species.
• Awareness and conservation programs can help mitigate human-induced threats.
• The Sundarbans ecosystem must be preserved to ensure the continued presence of the Cotton Teal in this unique wetland region.

Plan Your Trip: The Sundarbans is a paradise for bird lovers! Experience its wonders up close with our Sundarban tourism offerings, including Sundarban trip and Sundarban package tours tailored for nature enthusiasts.

Learn the full context by visiting Wikipedia – click below: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotton_pygmy_goose