Cape Barren Goose
Cereopsis novaehollandiae
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<birdfyi-bird slug="cereopsis-novaehollandiae"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large pale grey goose with a distinctive lime-green cere at the base of its short dark bill and pink legs. Endemic to southern Australia. Grazes on grasses and low scrub on offshore islands. Territorial and aggressive; pairs hold year-round territories. Can survive without fresh water.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 94.2 cm | 37.1 in |
| Weight | 3816.6666666666665 g | 134.63 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Pale ash-gray plumage with small dark spots on wing coverts. Head whitish-gray. Bill short with prominent lime-green cere. Legs and feet pinkish-red. Sexes similar; one of few native Australian geese.
Habitat & Range
Open grasslands, heathlands, and low scrub on offshore islands and coastal mainland of southern Australia. Grazes in open areas. Nests on the ground. Largely sedentary with some mainland movements in winter.
Geographic Range
Breeds in northern North America; winters in the Great Basin, Great Plains, and coastal areas of the contiguous United States.
Diet & Feeding
Grazes aquatic vegetation and submerged plants; largest Southern Hemisphere swan; winters on estuaries eating eelgrass and algae.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 34-37 days. Fledging: 70-76 days.
Clutch Size
3-6
Sound
Song
A loud, grunting 'honk-honk' from both sexes. The Cape Barren Goose gives pig-like grunting and cackling sounds. Not musical; its calls are distinctive but harsh.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Cereopsis |
| Species | Cereopsis novaehollandiae |
Distribution
Cape Barren Goose has been recorded in 6 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Cape Barren Goose eat?
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Is the Cape Barren Goose endangered?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family