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The kelp goose is a species of waterfowl in tribe the Tadornini of the subfamily Anserinae. It is found in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
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'."
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Ashy-headed GooseChloephaga poliocephalaThe ashy-headed goose is 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in) long.
Ruddy-headed GooseChloephaga rubidicepsThe ruddy-headed goose is 45 to 52.5 cm (18 to 21 in) long.
Andean GooseChloephaga melanopteraThe Andean goose is 70 to 76 cm (28 to 30 in) long and weighs 2.73 and 3.64 kg (6.0 and 8.0 lb).
Learn the Kelp Goose for real
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