Spur-winged Goose
Plectropterus gambensis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="plectropterus-gambensis"></birdfyi-bird>About
Africa's largest waterfowl, a massive goose-like bird with iridescent black-and-white plumage, a large red bill knob, bare red facial skin, and prominent bony wing spurs. Males can weigh up to 10 kg. Territorial; feeds on aquatic vegetation and agricultural crops across sub-Saharan Africa.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 104.5 cm | 41.1 in |
| Weight | 4475.0 g | 157.85 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Large; black upperparts with glossy green and purple iridescence. White forehead patch, facial skin reddish, and white underparts. Males have larger red facial caruncle and bill knob than females. Spur on wing.
Habitat & Range
Freshwater lakes, marshes, rivers, and flooded grasslands across sub-Saharan Africa from the Sahel to South Africa. Feeds along wetland margins and on agricultural land near water. Nests on the ground.
Geographic Range
Breeds across Alaska and Canada in wetlands; winters along the Pacific coast from the Aleutians to Baja California.
Diet & Feeding
Eats seeds, invertebrates, and aquatic plants; dabbles in shallow water; omnivorous diet shifts with breeding season demands.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CV,O. Incubation: 30-33 days. Fledging: 70 days.
Clutch Size
6-14
Sound
Song
A harsh, goose-like clucking 'uk-uk-uk' in flight. Males give a whistling hiss. Large and ungainly; its loud wing beats and harsh calls are characteristic of savanna wetlands.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Plectropterus |
| Species | Plectropterus gambensis |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the Spur-winged Goose endangered?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family