Magpie Goose Bird Details
Anseranas semipalmata
Magpie Goose
NA
John Latham, 1798
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anseranatidae
Anseranas
Australia and New Guinea
Appearance :
Magpie Geese are striking birds with black and white plumage resembling that of a magpie, hence their name. They have long legs and partially webbed feet.
Behaviour :
They are often found in large flocks, and their honking calls are distinctive. They are known to be quite vocal during their flights and while foraging.
Habitat :
Magpie Geese prefer wetland habitats such as floodplains, swamps, and coastal lagoons, especially in northern Australia and parts of New Guinea.
Diet :
They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, grasses, and occasionally insects.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They are found in northern Australia, particularly in the Northern Territory and Queensland, and also in parts of New Guinea.
Population Size :
Relatively stable.
Life Span :
Around 20-25 years.
Body And Tarsus:
The Magpie Goose has a distinctive appearance with predominantly black and white plumage. They have a long neck and legs, giving them a graceful stature.
Head And Bill :
Their head is small in proportion to their body, with a relatively short and robust black bill.
Length :
Approximately 75-90 cm (29.5-35.4 inches).
Neck :
Long and slender, characteristic of waterfowl.
Size :
They are medium to large-sized waterbirds.
Tail Details :
Short and inconspicuous compared to their body size.
Weight :
Around 2.2-3.5 kg (4.9-7.7 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are broad and powerful, suited for their habitat and flight patterns.
Wing Span :
140-170 cm (55-67 inches).
Facial Feature :
They have a distinctive black and white facial pattern, resembling that of a magpie, which gives them their common name.
Nest Details :
- They construct large platform nests made of reeds, grasses, and other aquatic vegetation, usually in shallow water.
- Nest made up of: Reeds, grasses, and other plant materials gathered from the wetland environment.
Breeding Season :
During the wet season, October to March.
Nesting Season :
During the wet season when water levels are high.
Egg Color :
Pale cream to white.
Egg Length :
Approximately 80-90 mm (3.1-3.5 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
Around 50-60 mm (2.0-2.4 inches).
Clutch Size :
5-14 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
One brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
About 24-26 days.
Nestling Period :
About 9-11 weeks.
Vocalization :
Magpie Geese are known for their honking calls, which can be quite loud and distinctive, especially during flight and when in flocks.
Sex Demorphism :
They show minimal sexual dimorphism in external appearance, with both sexes having similar plumage.
Migration Details :
Non-Migratory Birds.
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