Magpie Goose
Anseranas semipalmata
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<birdfyi-bird slug="anseranas-semipalmata"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large pied black-and-white waterbird with a distinctive knobbly head, long orange-pink legs, and partially webbed feet. The only member of family Anseranatidae. Found in tropical wetlands of northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Gregarious; forms large flocks in the dry season.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 81.1 cm | 31.9 in |
| Weight | 2302.0 g | 81.20 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Striking black and white plumage; head, neck, back, and wings black with bold white underparts and lower back. Bare orange facial skin. Knob on crown. Long orange-yellow legs. Sexes similar.
Habitat & Range
Seasonal tropical floodplains, paperbark swamps, waterlily lagoons, and freshwater margins of monsoonal northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Concentrates near permanent water in the dry season.
Geographic Range
Breeds on South Georgia and Falkland Islands; ranges widely across the South Atlantic and Southern Ocean when not breeding.
Diet & Feeding
Eats grasses, sedges, and wetland plants; grazes pastures in winter; flocks on farmland stubble and coastal grasslands.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 23-30 days. Fledging: 77 days.
Clutch Size
1-16
Sound
Song
A loud, honking 'ang-ang-ang' call. Both sexes vocalize frequently, especially in flight. Large flocks in Australia create a continuous honking chorus. Also gives softer clucking.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anseranatidae (Magpie Goose) |
| Genus | Anseranas |
| Species | Anseranas semipalmata |
Distribution
Magpie Goose has been recorded in 5 countries.
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