Ashy-headed Goose
A species of Austral Sheldgeese Scientific name : Chloephaga poliocephala Genus : Austral Sheldgeese
Ashy-headed Goose, A species of Austral Sheldgeese
Botanical name: Chloephaga poliocephala
Genus: Austral Sheldgeese
Content
Description General Info
Description
The ashy-headed goose is a stocky 50–55 cm (20–22 in) bird with a pale brown back, chestnut neck and black-barred white flanks. The head is grey and paler over the crown. The inside of the legs are black and the outside of the legs are red. Sexes are similar, except that the male may have reduced or no underparts barring. Immature birds are duller and have brown heads. In flight, this species shows black primaries, with the rest of the wing white except for a broad green bar. The male's call is a soft whistle, and the female's is a harsh cackle.
Size
60 cm
Feeding Habits
Ashy-headed Goose predominantly eats vegetation, favoring grasses and sedges, specifically selecting agricultural stubbles like wheat and maize in certain regions. Its feeding habits include grazing on pastures and its feces analysis shows a preference for seeds, especially Empetrum rubrum. Ashy-headed Goose demonstrates unique dietary preferences through its consumption of seeds from various plants infrequently consumed by others.
Habitat
Ashy-headed Goose predominantly inhabits damp clearings within southern beech forests, as well as areas surrounding lakes, marshes, and coastlines. It prefers regions with a close association to the Andes and where southern beech species are prevalent. During winter, ashy-headed Goose migrates to more open habitats, including natural meadows and rough pastures.
Dite type
Herbivorous
General Info
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Waterfowl Family
Geese Genus
Austral Sheldgeese Species
Ashy-headed Goose