Andean Goose

Overview

The Andean goose is a large waterfowl found in the high Andes of South America. It is a year-round resident in its range, though it occasionally moves to lower elevations during heavy winter snowfall in Chile.

Identification

• Adults have white heads and bodies, with some sooty or dark brown scapulars creating a striped appearance on the shoulders.
• Primaries and the tail are black with a greenish gloss.
• The bill is coral red with a black nail, and the legs and feet are light red.
• Males and females have very different voices; males produce a variety of calls including whistles and grunts, while females make louder, grating sounds.

Habitat

The Andean goose inhabits open grasslands, bogs, and the shores of lakes and lagoons in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. It is found almost entirely above 3,000 m in elevation, although it may temporarily move lower in Chile during periods of heavy winter snow.

Diet

Almost nothing is known about the Andean goose's diet, but it appears to be almost entirely grasses. The birds are almost entirely terrestrial but will fly to escape danger.

Did you know?

The Andean goose has developed a mutation in its hemoglobin that results in a vast increase in hemoglobin-oxygen affinity compared to species found at lower elevations.