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 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:

• Ruddy-headed geese are fairly winter-hardy. They require clean water, preferably running, and good grazing. They may be aggressive (although not all individuals are aggressive) and therefore pairs often require a separate enclosure, although they may be kept with large geese and swans in a very large area. These sheldgeese may be fed wheat, pellets, greenfood, grass, bread: plenty of green food and grazing should be available.
• Ruddy-headed geese are bred irregularly rather than easily. Large, shallow nest holes in close ground cover should be provided, also a kennel or wigwam. Eggs are usually laid end of March to May. Parent rearing is suggested. A second clutch may be laid if the female does not incubate the first clutch of eggs.
• Hybridisation is not common, but fertile hybrids have been reported with Chloephaga picta - Upland goose

(J23.13.w7, B29, B30, B31, B40, 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 pale/mid grey. Wings: secondaries and coverts white 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.)

Tierra del Fuego population migratory; Falklands population sedentary but with local movements.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not considered threatened, although population has declined (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade