Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
J23.13.w7
B7, B29, B30, B31, B40 B95, B97, B128.w1, B128.w2
D1, D8

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Geese
• Sheldgeese

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Aggressive Birds (Category 3.) (D1)
• Grazing Waterfowl (D1)

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Sheldgeese are generally hardy, and mostly aggressive particularly in the breeding season, so that pairs require a separate pen. A pen for a pair of these birds may be 80% grazing land to 20% water, with a minimum size of 200 square metres for the smaller species (e.g. Orinoco goose) and 300 square metres for the larger species.
• Grazing birds, their grass (sward of less than 3 inches 7.5cm preferred) should be supplemented with wheat and pellets outside the breeding season and breeders pellets before and during the breeding season. Additional green food should be provided when there is insufficient grass.
• Sheltered nest sites may be needed for species which nest early in the year. Ground-level nest boxes, open to the ground, 20x16x16 inches (50x40x40cm), with a ground level entrance hole and containing e.g. dry grass as nesting material.

(B7, B29, B40 B95, B128.w1, D1)

Species-specific information:

• Andean geese are generally hardy, but shelter from wind and rain should also be provided, particularly in cold wet conditions, and winter shelter with a straw bed may be advisable. Territorial and aggressive (very aggressive in the breeding season), the ganders may be aggressive to humans. A separate enclosure with good grazing, water and shade provided is required, particularly for breeding. Good grazing will provide most of their food, although mixed grains, carrots and a basic pellet should also be fed
• This species is bred fairly readily - not by all collections, but regularly in some collections. They should be provided with close vegetation cover and kennels or wigwams for nesting, with nesting sites possibly sited within shelters for protection when nesting early in the year. Eggs are laid mainly end of March to May. Foster rearing with a broody hen has given good results.
• These sheldgeese rarely hybridise, but hybrids have been reported with Chloephaga picta - Upland goose and Alopochen aegyptiacus - Egyptian goose.

(J23.13.w7, B29, B30, B31, B40, B94, B97, B128.w2, D1).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size: R 16.0mm, some males T 20.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Wings have iridescent greater secondary coverts forming purple speculum, rest of wing coverts and secondaries white, primaries and tertials black.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

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Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Andes: central Peru to central Argentina.

Mainly sedentary, local movements from higher to lower altitudes.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not considered threatened. Widespread and common (B1, B8).

Captive Populations

Trade