Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

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 1.) (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:

• Orinoco geese are not particularly hardy and require protection in winter, with a good straw bed available even in autumn. Supplementary feeding is important for breeding. They are more social than other sheldgeese but are sometimes aggressive.
• These sheldgeese are rarely bred, although pairs which do breed may be prolific. Close ground cover should be provided for nesting, also kennel or wigwam. Broody or artificial incubation is recommended. Goslings very sensitive to cold and damp and should be kept warm, but are otherwise easy to rear; good rearing meal plus duckweed, and live insects suggested.
• Hybrids reported with Tadorna tadorna - Common shelduck and Alopochen aegyptiacus - Egyptian goose.

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

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size: N 13.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Upperparts basically dark brown but scapulars chestnut. Tail, rump and uppertail coverts black, wing glossy green-black with bases of secondaries white forming white speculum.

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.)

Northern South America east of Andes: eastern Columbia, Venezuela, Guyana, southward through Amazonian Brazil, extreme east of Peru, eastern and southern Bolivia and Paraguay, Salta Province (extreme north) of Argentina.

Basically sedentary with small movements.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Population has declined (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade