Magpie Goose
Anseranas semipalmata
The Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata) is a uncommon magpie goose found in 5 countries, weighing about 2.4 kg. The magpie goose is the sole living representative species of the family Anseranatidae.
About the Magpie Goose
The magpie goose is the sole living representative species of the family Anseranatidae. This waterbird is found in northern Australia and southern New Guinea. The species is not truly migratory but it sometimes travels large distances to find food and water, especially when not breeding, and is sometimes recorded outside its core range. The species was once also widespread in southern Australia but disappeared from there largely due to the drainage of the wetlands where the birds once bred. Due to their importance to Aboriginal people as a seasonal food source, as subjects of recreational hunting, and as a tourist attraction, their expansive and stable presence in northern Australia has…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The magpie goose has black-and-white plumage in both sexes, with a long neck and legs and a long hooked bill. It is typically 75–90 cm (30–35 in) in length with an average weight of around 3 kg (6.5 lb). Magpie geese are unmistakable birds with their black and white plumage and yellowish legs. The feet are only partially webbed, and the magpie goose feeds on vegetable matter in the water, as well as on land. Males are larger than females. Unlike true geese, their molt is gradual, so no flightless periods result. Their voice is a loud honking.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.
When to see it
Best months: January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in April. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Magpie Goose?
- The magpie goose has black-and-white plumage in both sexes, with a long neck and legs and a long hooked bill. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Magpie Goose?
- The Magpie Goose is a huge sized bird weighing about 2.4 kg.
- Where can you see a Magpie Goose?
- The Magpie Goose occurs in 5 countries, including Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
- Is the Magpie Goose endangered?
- The Magpie Goose is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Magpie Goose for real
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