Magpie Goose

FAMILY NAME:    Anseranatidae    SCIENTIFIC NAME:   Anseranas semipalmata    SUBSPECIES:    none

SIZE:    75 to 90cm.   (30" to 36") tip to tail. A wing span from 1.2m to 1.8m, and males are larger than females.

LOCATION:   Found across the north and down the eastern coastal regions of Australia. Also found in Victoria. In some places, there range extends as far as 300km inland.

BREEDING:   Breeding season is from January to April in the north, and July to November in the south east. Laying from 1 to 16 eggs, with the usual clutch size about 8. Their nest consists of a large cup shaped platform, constructed by bending down, and trampling the stems of aquatic vegetation. They are situated over water in swamps or ponds. The chicks have grey downy feathers all over, except those on the head and breast, which are orange/rufous.

GENERAL:   Sometimes called the "Pied Goose", they are a very social bird, and sometimes seen in flocks of thousands. Lives around swamps and ponds, and will often perch on the tops of nearby trees. They feed and nest over the water. When disturbed they will take flight, rather than move to deep water. Their call is a loud, high pitched "honk" sound.

References:

Michael Morecombe. Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.
Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day. The Birds of Australia.
M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly. The Atlas of Australian Birds.
Birds in Backyards.   www.birdsinbackyards.net
Graham Pizzey - Frank Knight. The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia.