ExploreBirds

Cape Barren Goose

Cereopsis novaehollandiae

The Cape Barren Goose is a unique bird with a funny-looking face and beautiful grey feathers. They are often found waddling around in groups and love to eat grass and seeds.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Cape Barren Goose is a large, sturdy bird with a grey body, a distinctive black tail, and striking pink legs. Its most unique feature is a bright yellow-green waxy knob, called a cere, on its short black bill, making it easy to identify.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusCereopsis
Cape Barren Goose
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgeherbivorous trait badgecoastal trait badge
Cape Barren Goose

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Cape Barren Geese prefer to nest on remote islands, sometimes even among penguin colonies!

Their loud call is a deep, pig-like honk, very different from other geese!

These geese were once critically endangered but have made an amazing comeback!

They are one of only two goose species that live mostly on saltwater environments.

Special abilities

Ability

Saltwater Sipper

Cape Barren Geese have special salt glands that help them drink salty ocean water because this removes excess salt from their bodies.

Ability

Tough Grazer

Cape Barren Geese have a strong bill and powerful jaws that help them pull up and eat tough, fibrous coastal grasses.

Ability

Island Sanctuary Seeker

Cape Barren Geese can swim and fly to remote offshore islands that help them keep their nests and goslings safe from land predators.

Measurements & details

Length
75-100 cm
Wingspan
130-160 cm
Weight
3-7 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
4-7
Incubation
34-37 days

Diet & Feeding

This goose mostly eats plants like grasses and herbs found in salty coastal areas.

Primary Foods

  • Grasses
  • Clover
  • Sedges
  • Herbs
  • Roots

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Cape Barren Goose?

75-100 cm

What is Cape Barren Goose's wingspan?

130-160 cm

How much does Cape Barren Goose weigh?

3-7 kg

How long does Cape Barren Goose live?

15-20 years

How fast can Cape Barren Goose move?

70 km/h

What does Cape Barren Goose eat?

This goose mostly eats plants like grasses and herbs found in salty coastal areas.

Where is Cape Barren Goose usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Cape Barren Goose hunt?

Grazing

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