Goose barnacle migrate, it was thought that barnacle geese, "Branta leucopsis", developed from this crustacean, since they were never seen to nest in temperate Europe, hence the English names "goose barnacle", "barnacle goose" and the scientific name "Lepas anserifera" (, "goose"). The confusion was prompted by the similarities in colour and shape. Because they were often found on driftwood, it was assumed that the barnacles were attached to branches before they fell in the water. The archdeacon of Brecon, Gerald of Wales, made this claim in his "Topographia Hiberniae". Since barnacle geese were thought to be "neither flesh, nor born of flesh",
Green pygmy goose Green pygmy goose The green pygmy goose ("Nettapus pulchellus") is a small perching duck which breeds in southern New Guinea and northern Australia. First described in 1842 by the ornithologist John Gould, its specific name is derived from diminutive of the Latin adjective "pulcher" "pretty". It is one of three species in the Afro-Asian genus "Nettapus", an ancient and unusual group of ducks. No subspecies are recognised. Ranging from in length, it is one of the smallest species of duck. It has a wingspan. It has a small bill and compact form. The breeding male has a predominantly dark green