Andean Goose | ||||||||||||||
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Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
Chloephaga melanoptera |
It is resident around lakes and marshes in the high Andes, usually well above 3000m. It is largely terrestrial and avoids swimming except in emergencies.
This is a heavily built bird with a tiny pink bill, and white plumage except for black in the wings and tail. The female is similar to the male, but is smaller.
The Andean Goose is a grazing species, eating various grasses. It nests on the ground in a bare scrape near water, laying 6-10 eggs. It is territorial in the breeding season, but otherwise forms small flocks.