Bird Guide

Bar-headed Goose vs Coscoroba Swan

Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus)

Bar-headed Goose

Anser indicus

Huge2.2 kgWetland

The bird is pale grey and is easily distinguished from any of the other grey geese of the genus Anser by the black bars on its otherwise white head. It is also much paler than the other geese in this genus. In flight, its call is a typical goose honking. A mid-sized goose, it measures 71–76 cm (28–30 in) in total length and weighs 1.87–3.2 kg (4.1–7.1 lb).

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Bar-headed Goose
Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Call · Arrondissement of Avranches (near Bréville-sur-Mer), Manche, Normandy, France · CC0
Photo: Rohitjahnavi · CC BY 4.0
Coscoroba Swan (Coscoroba coscoroba)

Coscoroba Swan

Coscoroba coscoroba

Huge4.3 kgWetland

The coscoroba swan is a medium-large sized waterfowl, but smaller than the true swans, at 90 to 115 cm (35 to 45 in) long with a wingspan of about 155 cm (61 in). Males weigh 3.8 to 5.4 kg (8.4 to 12 lb) and females 3.1 to 4.5 kg (6.8 to 9.9 lb). Their appearance is considered to be slightly strange, being intermediate between that of geese and true swans. They have completely feathered faces—unusual for true swans—and their feet are located directly under their bodies, enabling the coscoroba swan to walk more efficiently than the "waddling" of most waterfowl. Voice: The coscoroba swan makes an onomatopoeic "cos-cor-oo", usually as a threat to intruders. They also make a "monosyllabic hooting note" as a contact call between mates. Immature birds make "loud chirps and trills".

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Wilfredor · CC0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Bar-headed Goose and Coscoroba Swan.