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 2.) (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:

• Upland geese are hardy, easy to keep and feed. They should be provided with healthy turf for grazing, and water. They are aggressive, particularly when breeding, and aggression may increase with age. They are not suitable for mixed collections: pairs require a separate pen. Additional green food should be fed if grazing is not plentiful.
• These sheldgeese are fairly easy to breed. Close ground cover and a kennel or wigwam should be provided for nesting, as well as suitable open cover. Usually lay end of March to May. Goslings may be parent incubated and reared if predation is not a problem; the geese may re-lay if they do not incubate their eggs.
• Hybridisation may occur with other Chloephaga spp.: fertile hybrids reported with Chloephaga melanoptera - Andean goose and Chloephaga rubidiceps - Ruddy-headed goose; hybridisation also reported with Branta leucopsis - Barnacle goose, Anser canagica - Emperor goose, Alopochen aegyptiacus - Egyptian goose, Chenonetta jubata - Maned duck.

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

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size: males S 18.0mm, females R 16.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Chloephaga picta leucoptera mean 7.3 lbs. (B8).

Head

Legs

Plumage

Wings have secondary coverts (speculum) iridescent green, secondaries and lesser coverts white, primaries dark grey.

C. p. picta (barred-phase): abdomen and lower half of neck barred.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Remain with parents until the start of the next breeding season.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

C. picta leucoptera: Falkland Islands.

Falklands population basically sedentary, mainland population move to lower latitudes in winter, as far north as Buenos Aires province, Argentina.

Rarely to Uruguay in winter.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not considered threatened (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade