About the Spur-winged Goose
The spur-winged goose is a large, Sub-Saharan African waterbird in the family Anatidae, which includes geese and shelducks. However, P. gambensis developed unique environmental adaptations, which resulted in the evolution of several anatomical features that are not shared with other anatids; thus, the species has been classified one step further into its own subfamily, the Plectropterinae.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Adults are 75–115 cm (30–45 in) long, and weigh an average of 4–6.8 kg (8.8–15.0 lb) (rarely up to 10 kg (22 lb)), with ganders (males) being noticeably larger than the geese. The wingspan can range from 150 to 200 cm (59 to 79 in). One source claims the average weight of males is around 6 kg (13 lb) and the weight of females is around 4.7 kg (10 lb). However, 11 individuals that were banded in South Africa, were found to average only 3.87 kg (8.5 lb), with a range of 2.4 to 5.4 kg (5.3 to 11.9 lb). Another South African-based study found 58 males weighing an average of 5.52 kg (12.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Yellow-billed PintailAnas georgicaThe yellow-billed pintail has a brown head and neck.
Australian ShelduckTadorna tadornoidesThe males are mostly dark, with a chestnut breast.
Mandarin DuckAix galericulataThe mandarin duck is among the smaller species of waterfowl, with a shorter body and smaller overall body size than most dabbling ducks, and is slightly smaller than its American wood duck relative.
Side by side: Spur-winged Goose vs Yellow-billed Pintail · Australian Shelduck vs Spur-winged Goose · Mandarin Duck vs Spur-winged Goose
Learn the Spur-winged 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.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.