Ashy-headed Goose
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Other uses: Goose (disambiguation)
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| Chloephaga poliocephala Sclater,PL, 1857 |
The Ashy-headed Goose (Chloephaga poliocephala) is a large sheldgoose, which breeds in mountainous areas of southernmost South America and winters on lowlands just north of its breeding range.
The lined nest is built in tall grass, and 4-6 eggs are laid. This terrestrial species favours damp upland forest clearings and feeds by grazing; it rarely swims.
The Ashy-headed Goose is a stocky 50-55cm bird with a pale brown back, chestnut neck and black-barred white flanks. The head is grey. Sexes are similar, except that the male may have reduced or no underparts barring. Immature birds are duller and have brown heads.
In flight, this species shows black primaries, with the rest of the wing white except for a broad green bar. The male's call is a soft whistle, and the female's is a harsh cackle.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Chloephaga poliocephala. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
- Wildfowl by Madge and Burn, ISBN 0-7470-2201-1
