Kelp Goose
Chloephaga hybrida
Embed This Widget
Add the script tag and a data attribute to embed this widget.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/birdfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
<div data-birdfyi="bird" data-slug="chloephaga-hybrida"></div>Embed via iframe for maximum compatibility.
<iframe src="https://birdfyi.com/iframe/bird/chloephaga-hybrida/" width="420" height="400" frameborder="0" style="border:0;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy"></iframe>Paste this URL in WordPress, Medium, or any oEmbed-compatible platform.
https://birdfyi.com/bird/chloephaga-hybrida/Add a dynamic SVG badge to your README or docs.
[](https://birdfyi.com/bird/chloephaga-hybrida/)Use the native HTML custom element.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/birdfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
<birdfyi-bird slug="chloephaga-hybrida"></birdfyi-bird>The Kelp Goose (Chloephaga hybrida) is a bird species in the family Anatidae (ducks, geese & swans), within the order Anseriformes (waterfowl). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 71.6 cm and a weight of 2.7 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
On this page
About
A sheldgoose with stark sexual dimorphism: males are entirely white; females are dark brown with white belly and barred flanks. Found exclusively on rocky wave-washed shorelines where it feeds almost entirely on kelp and green algae. Endemic to Patagonian coastline and Falkland Islands.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 71.6 cm | 28.2 in |
| Weight | 2735.0 g | 96.47 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Extreme dimorphism. Males entirely white with yellow bill and legs. Females dark brown barred white overall; yellow legs. Coastal species of rocky shores. Sexes so different they were once considered separate species.
Habitat & Range
Rocky wave-washed shores, sea channels, and kelp-fringed coasts of Patagonian Chile and Argentina south to Tierra del Fuego, and the Falkland Islands. Strictly coastal; almost never moves inland.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Incubation: 30 days. Fledging: 84-91 days.
Clutch Size
3-7
Sound
Song
A loud, nasal 'honk'. Male is mostly white and gives sharper calls; female is dark and gives softer, lower honks. Coastal Patagonian and Falklands habitat; highly vocal.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Chloephaga |
| Species | Chloephaga hybrida |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Kelp Goose live?
Is the Kelp Goose endangered?
How does the Kelp Goose nest?
What does the Kelp Goose sound like?
How big is the Kelp Goose?
What order and family does the Kelp Goose belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family