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, B94, 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:

• Ashy-headed geese are winter-hardy and easy to keep, but aggressive to other waterfowl, with ganders particularly aggressive in the breeding season; a separate enclosure is recommended. Good grass for grazing should be provided as well as a pond of clean water, preferably running, and a shelter if possible. Require good green food year round, with additional grain, pellets, greenfood, grass, bread: plenty of green food and grazing should be available.
• This species is fairly easy to breed. Good ground cover should be available for nesting, also a kennel-type box or wigwam. Eggs are usually laid end of March to May. These sheldgeese are usually reliable incubators. Goslings are robust and may be parent-reared on good grazing.
• Hybridisation is not common (usually kept in separate enclosures), but has been reported with Branta leucopsis - Barnacle goose, Tadorna variegata - Paradise shelduck, Tadorna tadornoides - Australian shelduck.

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

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size: P 14.0mm, some males Q 15.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Upperparts generally greyish brown with scapular feathers tipped in chestnut and black. Tail, uppertail coverts and rump black, ventral region and undertail coverts buff-brownish.

Wings white secondaries and coverts, except greater secondary coverts (speculum) metallic green, tertials brown, primaries 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.)

Southern Chile and Argentina south to Tierra del Fuego, and Falkland Islands.

Partially migratory: north to pampas region of Buenos Aires province, Argentina and to Colchagua in Chile.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not considered threatened.

Captive Populations

Trade