Chloephaga poliocephala
The Ashy-headed Goose (Chloephaga poliocephala) is a distinct medium-sized waterfowl species endemic to the Southern Cone of South America, known for its elegant, somewhat sheep-like grazing behavior. Averaging 50-55 cm (20-22 inches) in length and weighing between 1.5-2.2 kg (3.3-4.8 lbs) with a wingspan of approximately 80-90 cm (31-35 inches), it exhibits subtle sexual dimorphism where males are slightly larger. Key identification marks include its namesake ashy-gray head and neck, contras...
Found primarily in sub-Andean grasslands, Patagonian steppe, and open *Nothofagus* forests, often near bogs, marshy valleys, or glacial lakes, typically breeding at high elevations.
Strictly herbivorous, feeding almost exclusively on the leaves, shoots, stems, and seeds of various grasses, sedges, and other herbaceous plants, obtained by grazing.
Ashy-headed Geese are predominantly diurnal, spending their days grazing in open fields, often in pairs or small family groups during the breeding season, forming larger flocks outside of it. They are primarily grazers, meticulously plucking grasses, sedges, and herbaceous plants with their stron...
The Ashy-headed Goose is endemic to the Southern Cone of South America, with its primary breeding range extending through southern Chile and southwestern Argentina. Breeding occurs from the Valdivian region of Chile southwards through the Andes of Patagonia, including areas like Tierra del Fuego,...
Near Threatened
- The Ashy-headed Goose is one of five species in the genus *Chloephaga*, commonly known as sheldgeese, all endemic to southern South America. - They are sometimes called 'Patagonian Geese' due to their primary distribution in the Patagonia region. - Unlike most geese, they possess bright pink le...