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.w8, J23.13.w9
B29, B30, B97, B128.w5
D1, D8

Other References

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

Parent Group

• Waterfowl

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Aggressive Birds (Category 1.) (D1)
• Grazing Waterfowl (D1)
• Cold-sensitive Birds (Category 1.) (D1)

Aviculture Information

Notes

Magpie geese may be aggressive (Aggressive Birds (Category 1.) (D1)), particularly while they have goslings; they have been known to attack people. They are also very destructive to vegetation.

These geese may be fed a standard waterfowl diet of pellets and wheat, with extra green food. Food in winter should be plentiful. They prefer to feed near water. They are strong diggers and may be prone to Lead Poisoning from lead shot dug out and eaten as grit - a plentiful supply of grit and green food is essential.

Magpie geese breed variably in captivity, and may breed best if left full-winged. Fully-winged birds nest above ground level, although pinioned birds may build a substantial nest on the ground, or on a low platform if provided. Frequently form trios (male and two females), usually with the females related. Mate formation may be best encouraged by introducing a juvenile male and two females, possibly sisters. Pairing of adult birds may take years. Copulation normally occurs at the nest. Eggs may be laid as early as April and as late as September (Slimbridge, UK) (October to March, Taronga, Australia), with re-laying if eggs are removed and up to four clutches laid in a season. Nesting and egg laying appears to be stimulated by prolonged periods of heavy rain. Incubation reported in captivity as 27-28 days. Both broody and artificial incubation may be used.

Goslings have been parent-reared and hand-reared. They are not difficult to hand-rear, although they may be aggressive to one another. Green food such as duckweed and egg yolk may be sprinkled on 19-20% protein starter crumbs to encourage feeding initially, with a reduction to a 16-17% protein diet from three weeks; plenty of chopped green food and duckweed Lemna should be provided at all times. A weight increase to 8-10 times hatching weight by three weeks should be expected. The goslings easily become imprinted; contact with humans should be kept to a minimum and the goslings should be reared with other downies, preferably of their own species.

It is possible to sex magpie geese by feeling the trachea looped under the skin on the left side of the breast in males.

(J23.13.w8, J23.13.w9, B29, B30, B97, B128.w5, B139).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme suggested average closed ring size: males T 20.0mm, females S 18.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Bare skin back to the eyes, fleshy to reddish.

Bare skin back to the eyes.

Legs

Feet only partially webbed.

Plumage

• Enlarged bony crown to head.
• Gradual moult of flight feathers so never flightless.
• Elongated trachea palpable under the skin of the breast, usually on the left side.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Feet: Pinkish fading to grey later.

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

These are fed by the parents up to four months old and remain partially dependant until the following breeding season.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

North Australia, South New Guinea. Not migratory but move depending on the availability of suitable habitat.

Other areas of Australia and Tasmania.

Reintroduced Victoria, SE Australia

Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not globally threatened. Considerable fluctuations in numbers occur (B1, B8).

Captive Populations

Trade