Cape Barren Goose
Cereopsis novaehollandiae
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<birdfyi-bird slug="cereopsis-novaehollandiae"></birdfyi-bird>The Cape Barren Goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) is a bird species in the family Anatidae (ducks, geese & swans), within the order Anseriformes (waterfowl). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 94.2 cm and a weight of 3.8 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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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.
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.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Cape Barren Goose live?
Is the Cape Barren Goose endangered?
How does the Cape Barren Goose nest?
What does the Cape Barren Goose sound like?
How big is the Cape Barren Goose?
What order and family does the Cape Barren Goose belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family