About the Cape Barren Goose
The Cape Barren goose, sometimes also known as the pig goose, is a species of goose endemic to southern Australia. It is a distinctive large, grey bird that is mostly terrestrial and is not closely related to other extant members of the subfamily Anserinae.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Adult Cape Barren geese are large birds, typically measuring 75–100 cm (30–39 in) long and weighing between 3.7–5.2 kg (8.2–11.5 lb), with males generally being larger than females. The plumage is mostly pale grey with a slight brown tint. The head is somewhat small in proportion to the body and mostly grey in colour, save for a pale whitish patch on the forehead and crown. The bill is short, measuring 56–63 mm (2.2–2.5 in) in length, triangular in shape and black in colour with a prominent pale yellow-green cere covering more than half the length of the bill.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Germany, Spain, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands.
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Falcated DuckMareca falcataMales and females have similar lengths at 46 to 53 cm (18–21 in).
NeneBranta sandvicensisThe nene is a large-sized goose at 41 cm (16 in) tall.
Ringed TealCallonetta leucophrysThe ringed teal is 35–38 cm (14–15 in) long, with a 70 cm (28 in) wingspan, and a weight of 190–360 g (6.7–12.7 oz).
Learn the Cape Barren Goose for real
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