Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
B7, B11.33.w1B29, B30, B94, B97
D1, D8

Other References

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

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Geese
• Perching Ducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

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

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Perching Ducks and "geese" are generally happier maintained fully-flighted if possible, for example in an aviary for the smaller species, or under flight netting.
• While the larger species in this group are hardy, the smaller species may be more delicate and require winter shelter. These species eat a high proportion of vegetable matter and appreciate a grazing area. Most of these species are hole-nesters.
• Many of these species are sociable outside the breeding season, although Cairina moschata - Muscovy duck, Cairina scutulata - White-winged duck, Pteronetta hartlaubii - Hartlaub's duck and Plectropterus gambensis - Spur-winged goose can all be aggressive and require separate enclosures.

(B7, B11.33.w1, B94, D1)

Species-specific information:

• Spur-winged geese are winter-hardy. They are usually aggressive, although exceptions are reported, and generally a pair or trio should be maintained in a separate pen. They are good climbers and maintenance in large aviaries has been suggested. A good area of grass should be available for grazing.
• These geese are infrequently bred in collections. They will nest in close natural ground cover or in a kennel or wigwam. The laying period is mainly February to April and the goslings may be hand reared, or may be parent-reared in a spacious area.
• Hybrids are not common, but have been reported with Alopochen aegyptiacus - Egyptian goose, Anser cygnoides - Swan goose, Chloephaga picta - Upland goose, Tadorna tadorna - Common shelduck.

(B29, B30, B94, B97, D1).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: T 20mm (D8)

Management Techniques

• Flight Netting

Measurement & Weight

Head

Plectropterus gambensis niger:- Frontal knob small/absent (B3, B6, B8, B25).

Legs

Plumage

Wings black except carpal area (wing bend) and lesser coverts white. Spur at carpus (wing bend), not visible when wing folded.

(B3, B6, B8, B25, B26)

Plectropterus gambensis niger :- similar but breast and flanks black, no bare skin on neck.

(B3, B6, B8, B25, B26)

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.)

Movements: local, seasonal movements related to water availability. (B1, B8, B25) Form large flocks to moult, moving north as far as Lake Chad, Senegal Delta . (B1, B8)

Reported to Egypt, Oman, Morocco (B1).

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Plectropterus gambensis niger Southern Africa: Namibia and Zimbabwe to Cape Province. Slightly smaller and with less white on body.
(B1, B3, B6, B8, B25)

Conservation Status

Not globally threatened, locally abundant (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade