Neochen jubata
The Orinoco Goose (Neochen jubata) is a striking and distinctive member of the waterfowl family, renowned for its terrestrial habits and vibrant plumage. This medium-sized sheldgoose typically measures 60-76 cm (24-30 in) in length and weighs between 1.0-1.2 kg (2.2-2.6 lbs), with a wingspan of approximately 115-130 cm (45-51 in). Key identification features include its pale gray head and neck, contrasting sharply with a dark chestnut body and a prominent, iridescent green speculum on its oth...
Primarily found in tropical lowlands, inhabiting slow-moving rivers, oxbow lakes, and lagoons, often with sandy beaches or islands, and adjacent gallery forests or savannas. Typically found at elevations below 500 meters.
Primarily herbivorous, consisting of grasses, sedges, seeds, and aquatic vegetation obtained by grazing and dabbling. Occasionally consumes small invertebrates.
Orinoco Geese are largely diurnal, spending their days foraging along riverbanks and resting on sandbars or emergent snags, often roosting communally in trees at night, a unique habit for a goose. They are primarily grazers, dabbling for aquatic vegetation and seeds, but also venture onto dry lan...
The Orinoco Goose is primarily a resident species found throughout tropical South America, encompassing the vast Amazon and Orinoco River basins. Its distribution spans parts of Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina....
Near Threatened
- The Orinoco Goose is one of the few goose species that regularly nests in tree cavities, sometimes utilizing abandoned nests of raptors or storks, an adaptation that provides protection from ground predators. - Despite its goose-like appearance, it's more closely related to shelducks (subfamily...