Barnacle goose Barnacle goose The barnacle goose ("Branta leucopsis") belongs to the genus "Branta" of black geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the grey "Anser" species. Despite its superficial similarity to the brant goose, genetic analysis has shown it is an eastern derivative of the cackling goose lineage. The barnacle goose was first classified taxonomically by Johann Matthäus Bechstein in 1803. "Branta" is a Latinised form of Old Norse "Brandgás", "burnt (black) goose" and the specific epithet is from the Ancient Greek "leukos" "white", and "opsis" "faced". The barnacle goose and the similar brant goose were previously
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