Cereopsis novaehollandiae

Description

The Cape Barren Goose is a very large, pale grey goose with a relatively small head. Its stubby triangular bill is almost concealed by a very prominent greenish-yellow cere (skin above the bill). It has rows of large dark spots in lines across the shoulders and wing coverts. The legs are pink to deep red and the feet are black. In-flight it shows dark wingtips and along the trailing edge of the wings.

Distribution

The Cape Barren Goose is found on the south-eastern coast of Australia, the southern coast of Western Australia and in south-eastern Victoria.

Oakvale Distribution Maps png Cape Barren Goose
Cape Barren Goose Distribution Map

Lifespan

15 years.

Size

75 - 100 centimetres in length.

Diet

Grazes on grasses, sedges, clovers, herbs and also some fruits.

Habitat

Found on offshore islands, usually in areas of pasture, tussock grass or low shrub.

Breeding

The breeding season is July - September. The nest is built by the male and lined with down. Each pair establishes a territory in autumn, prepares a nest and defends it noisily and determinedly against other geese. This species is monogamous, and pair-bonds are life-long. The female Cape Barren Goose will produce 4 to 7 eggs and will incubate them for approximately 35 days.