Chloephaga melanoptera
The Andean Goose, `Chloephaga melanoptera`, is a striking high-altitude waterfowl endemic to the Andes. Males and females share an identical, arresting plumage: a pristine, snow-white body contrasts sharply with black primary and secondary flight feathers, a black tail, and a bright pinkish-red bill and legs. Adults typically measure between 70-80 cm (28-31 inches) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet), and weigh 2.5-3.6 kg (5.5-7.9 lbs). Its distinct field marks are...
Found in high-altitude wetlands, marshes, bogs, lakes, and short-grass pastures of the puna and páramo ecosystems, typically between 3,000 and 5,000 meters elevation.
Strictly herbivorous, feeding predominantly on short grasses, sedges, and aquatic vegetation, grazed primarily on land.
Andean Geese are primarily diurnal, spending much of their day grazing on terrestrial vegetation, often far from water, and roosting in open areas or near water bodies at night. They are highly social outside the breeding season, forming large, loose flocks, but become aggressively territorial du...
The Andean Goose is endemic to the high Andes Mountains of South America, primarily inhabiting the puna and páramo ecosystems. Its breeding and year-round distribution extends from central and southern Peru, across Bolivia, into northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. This species is largely ...
Least Concern
- The Andean Goose is one of the highest-dwelling waterfowl species in the world, regularly found above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). - Despite being classified as a goose, it spends more time grazing on land than many other waterfowl, often venturing far from water sources. - Its scientific name, ...