Ruddy-headed Goose

Chloephaga rubidiceps

Ducks, Swans, and Geese · Anseriformes · Rare

The Ruddy-headed Goose (Chloephaga rubidiceps) is a rare ducks, swans, and geese found in 4 countries, weighing about 2.1 kg. The ruddy-headed goose is a species of waterfowl in tribe Tadornini of subfamily Anserinae.

Least ConcernRareEats plantsgrasslandplatform nest2.1 kg

About the Ruddy-headed Goose

The ruddy-headed goose is a species of waterfowl in tribe Tadornini of subfamily Anserinae. It is found in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The ruddy-headed goose is 45 to 52.5 cm (18 to 21 in) long. Males weigh 1.65 to 2.02 kg (3.6 to 4.5 lb) and females 1.20 to 1.50 kg (2.6 to 3.3 lb). Adults have the same plumage. Their heads and necks are red-brown, their back, breast, and flanks gray and buff with brown barring, their belly cinnamon, and their tail black. Their wing's upperside is gray and the underside gray, black, and white. Their bill is black and the legs and feet orange with black markings. Juveniles are similar to adults but duller overall. Voice: Male and female ruddy-headed geese have different vocalizations: Males make a "short, whistled 'seep'" and females a "short rasping quack".

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in Germany.

When to see it

Best months: January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in November. It is a summer visitor species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Ruddy-headed Goose?
The ruddy-headed goose is 45 to 52.5 cm (18 to 21 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Ruddy-headed Goose?
The Ruddy-headed Goose is a huge sized bird weighing about 2.1 kg.
Where can you see a Ruddy-headed Goose?
The Ruddy-headed Goose occurs in 4 countries, including Chile, the Falkland Islands and Argentina.
What birds look similar to a Ruddy-headed Goose?
The Ruddy-headed Goose is most easily confused with the Kelp Goose, the Ashy-headed Goose and the Andean Goose.
Is the Ruddy-headed Goose endangered?
The Ruddy-headed Goose is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Ruddy-headed Goose for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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