Cape Barren Goose

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The Cape Barren Goose is a bulky, highly distinctive terrestrial bird, measuring 75 to 91 cm in length with a wingspan up to 1.9 metres. Its plumage is predominantly pale ashy-grey, marked by rows of dark brownish-grey spots on the upperwing coverts and shoulders. The relatively small head features a white crown and a short, black bill dominated by a prominent, bulbous, neon lime-green cere. In flight, the bird appears heavy and direct, revealing prominent black wingtips, dark trailing edges, and a black tail that contrast sharply with the grey body. The legs are a striking fleshy pink, terminating in black webbed feet. Males and females look alike, though males are typically larger. Locally known as the "pig goose," it frequently emits deep, pig-like grunts and hisses when alarmed or displaying. During takeoff and flight, males produce a rapid, high-pitched honking call. Almost exclusively terrestrial and rarely seen swimming, it grazes steadily on grasses, herbs, and succulents in lifelong pairs or small flocks. It is uniquely adapted to drink salt water, allowing it to reside permanently on arid offshore islands. Found across southern Australia from the Recherche Archipelago to the Bass Strait and Tasmania, it prefers windswept coastal grasslands and rocky islets, though it increasingly utilizes mainland pastures and agricultural fields. This species is unmistakable; its robust grey body, pink legs, and vivid green cere distinguish it from feral domestic geese, while its short neck and grey coloration prevent confusion with the Black Swan in flight.

Description · BirdUp · CC BY-SA 4.0