Andean Goose
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| Chloephaga melanoptera (Eyton, 1838) |
The Andean Goose, Chloephaga melanoptera, is a member of the duck, goose and swan family Anatidae. It is in the shelduck subfamily Tadorninae.
It is resident around lakes and marshes in the high Andes, usually well above 3000 m. It is largely terrestrial and avoids swimming except in emergencies.
This is a heavily built bird with a tiny pink bill, and white plumage except for black in the wings and tail. The female is similar to the male, but is smaller.
The Andean Goose is a grazing species, eating various grasses. It nests on the ground in a bare scrape near water, laying 6-10 eggs. It is territorial in the breeding season, but otherwise forms small flocks.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Chloephaga melanoptera. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
