Ruddy-headed Goose
Chloephaga rubidiceps
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<birdfyi-bird slug="chloephaga-rubidiceps"></birdfyi-bird>The Ruddy-headed Goose (Chloephaga rubidiceps) is a bird species in the family Anatidae (ducks, geese & swans), within the order Anseriformes (waterfowl). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 65.1 cm and a weight of 1.8 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A small sheldgoose with a rich rufous-brown head and neck, buff-white belly, and barred back. One of the world's rarest geese; mainland population now nearly extinct. Breeds in Tierra del Fuego; main stronghold remains the Falkland Islands. Winters on the Argentine pampas.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 65.1 cm | 25.6 in |
| Weight | 1756.8333333333333 g | 61.97 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Distinctive rufous-brown head and neck; body barred rufous and black above; underparts buff-white finely barred. Orange-yellow legs. White wing patches in flight. Compact; sexes similar. Falklands and Patagonia.
Habitat & Range
Breeds on open tussock grasslands and moorland in Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands. Mainland wintering population on Patagonian grasslands now critically small. Falkland Islands population relatively stable.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Incubation: 30 days.
Clutch Size
3-8
Sound
Song
A high, whistled 'whee' from males and a cackling rattle from females. Calls similar to Ashy-headed Goose. Falkland Islands population; calls in open coastal grassland.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Chloephaga |
| Species | Chloephaga rubidiceps |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Ruddy-headed Goose live?
Is the Ruddy-headed Goose endangered?
How does the Ruddy-headed Goose nest?
What does the Ruddy-headed Goose sound like?
How big is the Ruddy-headed Goose?
What order and family does the Ruddy-headed Goose belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family