- Chloephaga rubidiceps
Identification
Is actually a Shelduck, not a Goose. Endangered almost to extinction on mainland South America due to disturbance on winter feeding grounds.
45-50cm. Pale grey back, and black-barred rich buff underparts. The head and upper neck are chestnut brown. In flight the black primaries stand out against the white wings. The wings are also crossed by a broad green bar Sexes are similar, but immature birds are duller.
Distribution
Resident in Falkland Islands ( 40,000), Non Migratory. Migratory in Argentina and Chile.
Taxonomy
This species is monotypic1
Habitat
Open grassy plains and damp upland forest clearings.
Behaviour
It builds a feather lined nest amongst grass tussocks, and 4-11 eggs are laid.
The diet includes roots, leaves, stems, and the seed-heads of grasses and sedges.
They rarely swim, preferring to forage in grasslands, pastures and agricultural land.
References
- Clements, JF. 2008. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2008. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
External Links
GSearch checked for 2020 platform.1
