From Opus

Chloephaga rubidiceps

Photo by Alan Rymer ( Feral escapee Photographed in UK )

[edit] Identification

Is actually a Shelduck, not a Goose. Endangered almost to extinction on mainland South America due to disturbance on winter feeding grounds.

45-50cm. Pale grey back, and black-barred rich buff underparts. The head and upper neck are chestnut brown. In flight the black primaries stand out against the white wings. The wings are also crossed by a broad green bar Sexes are similar, but immature birds are duller.

[edit] Distribution

Resident in Falkland Islands ( 40,000), Non Migratory. Migratory in Argentina and Chile.

[edit] Taxonomy

This species is monotypic¹

[edit] Habitat

Open grassy plains and damp upland forest clearings.

[edit] Behaviour

It builds a feather lined nest amongst grass tussocks, and 4-11 eggs are laid.

The diet includes roots, leaves, stems, and the seed-heads of grasses and sedges.

They rarely swim, preferring to forage in grasslands, pastures and agricultural land.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2008. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2008. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.

[edit] External Links