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Description

Species Name: Cape Barren Goose

Species Latin Name: Cereopsis novaehollandiae

Native To: Southern Australia

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Photo Taken At: Serendip Sanctuary

Size (length): 75-100 (29.5-39.4 inches)

Weight: 3-7kg (6.6-15.4oz)

Lifespan: 17 years

Wingspan: 150-190cm (59.1-74.8 inches)

Population Size: 16,000-18,000

Population Trend: Stable

Diet: Herbivore

Lifestyle: Semiaquatic, Shorebirds, Waterfowl, Grazing, Congregatory, Precocial, Territorial, Partially migrant.

Group Name: Flock, gaggle, plump, skein, team, wedge.

Female Name: Goose

Male Name: Gander

Baby Name: Gosling

Mating Behaviour: Monogamy

Reproductive Season: May – June

Eggs Per Brood: 3-6 eggs

Incubation Period: 34-37 days

Independent Age: 70-76 days

Description:

The Cape Barren Goose is considered a large goose with a plummage of feathers that are entirely light gray in colour. The exception to the light gray colour to their wings include darker gray splotches on some of their wing feathers, a much darker gray or black is seen on the edges of their wings as well as on their tail feathers. They have a short yellowish-green bill that is black at the tip and reddish-orange eyes. They have short pinkish legs with black feet.

Diet: The Cape Barren Goose is a grazing bird and will feed on a variety of grasses, herbs, and legumes. The grasses and herbs vary from native or wild grasses to pasture grasses and herbs.

Behaviour:

These geese are able to drink salt or brackish water and are able to remain on offshore islands all year round. These geese are monogamous and form long lasting mating pairs, they will breed during the winter months from May to June. During breeding season these birds can be highly territorial. The male will builds the nest out of nearby vegetation at which point the female will lay a batch of 3-6 eggs, both the male and the female geese will look after young and protect them. Outside of breeding season these birds will congregate in small flocks.

Threats To The Species:

Although the species is not currently listed as endangered their numbers were reduced to a large extend in the past during the 20th century when their species were hunted in great numbers. Their numbers have increased greatly since this period however, the loss of breeding grounds to agricultural expansion could pose a risk for these birds in the future.

Further Reading (general information):

Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Bar…

Birdlife: birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/c…

Animalia: animalia.bio/cape-barren-goose

Australian Museum: australian.museum/learn/animal…

Description

Species Name: Cape Barren Goose

Species Latin Name: Cereopsis novaehollandiae

Native To: Southern Australia

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Photo Taken At: Serendip Sanctuary

Size (length): 75-100 (29.5-39.4 inches)

Weight: 3-7kg (6.6-15.4oz)

Lifespan: 17 years

Wingspan: 150-190cm (59.1-74.8 inches)

Population Size: 16,000-18,000

Population Trend: Stable

Diet: Herbivore

Lifestyle: Semiaquatic, Shorebirds, Waterfowl, Grazing, Congregatory, Precocial, Territorial, Partially migrant.

Group Name: Flock, gaggle, plump, skein, team, wedge.

Female Name: Goose

Male Name: Gander

Baby Name: Gosling

Mating Behaviour: Monogamy

Reproductive Season: May – June

Eggs Per Brood: 3-6 eggs

Incubation Period: 34-37 days

Independent Age: 70-76 days

Description:

The Cape Barren Goose is considered a large goose with a plummage of feathers that are entirely light gray in colour. The exception to the light gray colour to their wings include darker gray splotches on some of their wing feathers, a much darker gray or black is seen on the edges of their wings as well as on their tail feathers. They have a short yellowish-green bill that is black at the tip and reddish-orange eyes. They have short pinkish legs with black feet.

Diet: The Cape Barren Goose is a grazing bird and will feed on a variety of grasses, herbs, and legumes. The grasses and herbs vary from native or wild grasses to pasture grasses and herbs.

Behaviour:

These geese are able to drink salt or brackish water and are able to remain on offshore islands all year round. These geese are monogamous and form long lasting mating pairs, they will breed during the winter months from May to June. During breeding season these birds can be highly territorial. The male will builds the nest out of nearby vegetation at which point the female will lay a batch of 3-6 eggs, both the male and the female geese will look after young and protect them. Outside of breeding season these birds will congregate in small flocks.

Threats To The Species:

Although the species is not currently listed as endangered their numbers were reduced to a large extend in the past during the 20th century when their species were hunted in great numbers. Their numbers have increased greatly since this period however, the loss of breeding grounds to agricultural expansion could pose a risk for these birds in the future.

Further Reading (general information):

Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Bar…

Birdlife: birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/c…

Animalia: animalia.bio/cape-barren-goose

Australian Museum: australian.museum/learn/animal…