Waterfowl

Upland Geese

Upland Geese (Chloephaga picta)

 

The Upland Geese or Magellan Goose (Chloephaga picta) is native to South America, where it occurs in open grassland areas.



Group of Upland Geese on the Rocks
Group of Upland Geese on the Rocks

Description

Males can be identified by their white heads and chests.

Females have a mostly brown plumage with black-striped wings and yellow feet. Females resemble the Ruddy-headed Geese.

Upland Geese measure between 60-72.5 cm (24-29 in) in length and weigh, on average, 2.7-3.2 kg (5.9-7 lbs).

Diet / Feeding:

Geese feed mainly on plant material. When feeding in water, they submerge their heads and necks to reach aquatic plants, sometimes tipping forward like a dabbling duck. Flocks of these birds often feed on leftover cultivated grains in fields, especially during migration or in winter.

Ducks and geese generally feed on larvae and pupae usually found under rocks, aquatic animals, plant material, seeds, small fish, snails and crabs.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

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