Waterfowl

Magellan Geese

Magellan Geese (Chloephaga picta)

The Upland Goose or Magellan Geese (Chloephaga picta) occurs naturally in South America, where they inhabit open grasslands



Magellan Geese on the Snow
Magellan Geese on the Snow

Description

Magellan Goose measure 60-72.5 cm (24-29 in) in length and weigh about 2.7-3.2 kg (5.9-7 lbs).

Males can be identified by the white head and chest.

Females have brown plumage with black-striped wings and yellow feet.

Similar Species: The female could be mistaken for Ruddy-headed Goose..

Diet / Feeding:

Geese feed mainly on plant material. When feeding in water, they submerge their heads and necks to reach aquatic plants, sometimes tipping forward like a dabbling duck. Flocks of these birds often feed on leftover cultivated grains in fields, especially during migration or in winter.

Ducks and geese generally feed on larvae and pupae usually found under rocks, aquatic animals, plant material, seeds, small fish, snails and crabs.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

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