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SPUR-WINGED GOOSE (Plectropterus gambensis)

©Nigel Key Spur-Winged Goose (Slimbridge March 2011)

The Spur-Winged Goose is a member of the Shelduck and goose family Anatidae but classed in a sub-family Plectropterinae.

The Spur-Winged Goose is the largest African waterfowl and on average, the World's largest wild Goose.

During the breeding season the Spur-Winged Goose is very aggressive to other waterfowl often using the spur on their wing during fights.

The Spur-Winged Goose can be distinguished from the Magpie Goose by its Light Red Beak rather than Orange beak.
(Compare the two Geese)

   Hear the Spur-Winged Goose's Call:-
Conservation Status


Size
750mm to 1150mm (" to ")

Appearance - Male
The male has a dark Brown head and neck, a light Red bill with a light tip and frontal knob. A Red facial patch extends from the bill to the dark Brown eyes.The upper-parts and tail are Blackish, the under-parts are White and the wings are Black and White. The legs and feet are Pink.

Appearance - Female
The female is similar to the male except it has a smaller knob, less bare skin on the face and generally slightly smaller.

Habitat
Wetlands, Grasslands, Rivers, Lakes, Pools, Swamps, Marshes and River Deltas.

Diet
Aquatic Plants, Insects, Grasses, Tuberous Crops, Grain and small Fish.

Breeding Time
September to January or January to March depending upon location.

Nest
They build their nests in tree hollows, cavities in rocks or concealled in vegetaion near water.

Eggs
Quantity: 6 to 14
Colour: Ivory White.











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PHOTOGRAPHS

Spur-Winged Goose (WWT Slimbridge March 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Spur-Winged Goose (WWT Slimbridge March 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Spur-Winged Goose (WWT Slimbridge March 2011) - pic by Nigel Key
25/03/11 25/03/11 25/03/11
Spur-Winged Goose (WWT Slimbridge March 2011) - pic by Nigel Key ?Spur-Winged Goose (WWT Slimbridge March 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Spur-Winged Goose (WWT Slimbridge March 2011) - pic by Nigel Key
25/03/11 25/03/11 25/03/11
Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key
Click for larger image


Related Links:-


Magpie Goose - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

Magpie Goose v's Spur-Winged Goose - www.slim-bridge.co.uk


You can help to protect wetland habitats in the UK and around the World by becoming a member of the WWT, visit official WWT site for details.





LOCATION

Spur-Winged Goose
Breeding Habitat - South Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa.
Winter Habitat or Migration Area
The Spur Winged Goose is partially migratory, moving several humdred kilometers searching for water during the dry season.


WWT Slimbridge Location - Spur-Winged Goose
Geese Of The World - WWT Slimbridge
© Nigel Key Geese Of The World Zone (WWT Slimbridge September 2012)

The Spur-Winged Goose was found in the Geese Of The World Zone, along with the following wildfowl:-
Andean Goose
Ashy-Headed Goose
Baikal Teal
Cape Barren Goose
Demoiselle Crane
Emperor Goose
Ferruginous Duck
Freckled Duck
Hawaiian Goose
Lesser Whistling Duck
Lesser White Fronted Goose
Magellan Goose
Mandarin Duck
Marbled Teal
Red-Breasted Goose
Ross's Goose
Ruddy-Headed Goose
Snow Goose
Spotted Whistling Duck
Swan Goose
White Fronted Goose
Geese Of The World Zone (WWT Slimbridge)


WWT Slimbridge Wildfowl (Listed Alphabetically)
A-B  | C-F  | G-L  | M-R  | S-Z
Wildfowl S to Z
Shelduck
Smew
Snow Goose
South African Shelduck
Southern Pochard
South Georgian Pintail
Spot-Billed Duck
Spotted Whistling Duck
Spur-Winged Goose
Swan Goose
Trumpeter Swan
Tufted Duck
Wandering Whistling Duck
West Indian Whistling Duck
Whistling Swan
White-Cheeked Pintail
White-Faced Whistling Duck
White-Fronted Goose
White-Backed Duck
White-Headed Duck
White-Winged Duck
Yellow-Billed Duck