Kelp Goose vs Upland Goose

Kelp Goose

Chloephaga hybrida

Huge2.3 kgMarine

The kelp goose is 55 to 65 cm (22 to 26 in) long. Males of the nominate subspecies weigh 2.54 to 2.58 kg (5.6 to 5.7 lb) and females 2.00 to 2.02 kg (4.4 to 4.5 lb). Subspecies C. h. malvinarum is heavier: Males weigh 3.25 to 3.60 kg (7.2 to 7.9 lb) and females 2.05 to 2.80 kg (4.5 to 6.2 lb). The two subspecies have the same plumage but the sexes are completely different. Adult males are entirely white but for a black bill with a pink spot on the maxilla and yellow legs and feet. Adult females have a pale brown crown and chocolate brown head, neck, and mantle. Voice: Male and female kelp geese have different vocalizations: Males make a "whistled 'si-si-si'" and females "low honking 'arnk-arnk', 'ooer' or 'ooeroo' calls". Very young chicks make "a double-noted 'cheep'."

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Kelpgoosealpha.jpg: Ealdgyth derivative work: Berichard (talk) · CC BY 3.0

Upland Goose

Chloephaga picta

Huge2.9 kgGrassland

Upland geese males are similar to other sheldgeese, notably the kelp goose (Chloephaga hybrida) due to their predominantly white plumage, while females resemble the ruddy-headed goose (C. rubidiceps) due to their similarly barred breast plumage. This species is 60–72.5 centimetres (23.6–28.5 in) long. Greater Magellan geese (leucoptera subspecies) are the largest birds of the genus Chloephaga. Males typically weigh 3.5–4.5 kg (7.7–9.9 lbs) and females range from 2.9 to 3.5 kg (6.4–7.7 lbs). Lesser Magellan geese (picta subspecies) males weigh 2.7–3.6 kg (6.0–7.9 lbs) on average and females 2.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Christoph Moning · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Kelp Goose and Upland Goose.