Spur-winged Goose

The Spur-winged Goose, , is a large bird in the family Anatidae, related to the geese and the shelducks, but distinct from both of these in a number of anatomical features, and therefore treated in its own subfamily, the Plectropterinae. It occurs in wetlands throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

The Spur-winged Goose is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The Spur-winged Goose, (Plectropterus gambensis), is a large bird in the family Anatidae, related to the geese and the shelducks, but distinct from both of these in a number of anatomical features, and therefore treated in its own subfamily, the Plectropterinae. It occurs in wetlands throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Adults are 75-115 cm (30-45 in) long and weigh on average 4-6.8 kg (8.8-15 lbs), and sometimes up to 7 kg (22 lbs), with males much larger than the females. More

Aspects of the topic spur-winged goose are discussed in the following places at Britannica. Assorted References * locomotion (in anseriform (bird order): Locomotion) Walking on land is well-developed in the longer-legged geese and in gooselike species. The “goose-step,” with exaggeratedly lifted feet, is exemplified by the spur-winged goose (Plectropterus gambensis). More

Description: The spur-winged goose is a large, powerful, broad-winged bird with an odd spur on the forepart of the wing. Despite its large size (30 to 40" long, 14 to 22 lbs.), and ground-nesting habits which led to its being called a goose, it is actually a perching duck. The coloring is generally black and white with iridescent bronze-green upper parts and a gray-blue bare face. Males are larger than females. More

Incredible capture of this Spur-winged Goose in a lovely pose with delihgtful composition and great details. More

Spur-winged GooseCall / Vocalization This is a quiet species, but may give a thin whistle in flight. Breeding The large nest is usually concealed in vegetation near water, but tree holes, other cavities, and old Hamerkop nests may be used. The spur on the bend of the wing may be used in disputes. More

The Spur-winged Goose, Plectropterus gambensis, is most closely related to the shelducks, but distinct enough to warrant its own subfamily, the Plectropterinae. The three species of small waterfowl in the genus Nettapus are named "pygmy geese", e.g. the Cotton Pygmy Goose (N. javanica). They seem to represent an ancient lineage like the Cape Barren Goose and the Spur-winged Goose. A genus of prehistorically extinct seaducks, Chendytes, is sometimes called "diving-geese" due to their large size. More

The Spur-winged Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. References - 1. ^ http://www.waza.org/virtualzoo/factsheet.php?id=212-002-034-001&view=Anseriformes 2. ^ http://digital.library.colostate.edu/cgi-bin/pview.exe?CISOROOT=/garst&CISOPTR=380&CISORESTMP=/garst/html/garst_template1.html&CISOVIEWTMP=/garst/html/garst_template2.html&CISOROWS=2&CISOCOLS=4 * BirdLife International (2004). Plectropterus gambensis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. More

The Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis) is a large and widespread goose of Africa. The group in the photo on the left was along the Okavango River in Botswana in October, 1998. This shot was taken with a Canon EOS 1N and EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender on Fuji Sensia film. 305 Loganberry Ct. More

The Spur-winged Goose is unmistakable, being a massive black and white bird which can get to 39" (100cm) in length. It is, in fact, the largest of Africa's waterfowl. It is mostly vegetarian (although it will take small fish) and forages on land. Its method of grazing and liking for freshwater close to arable land can bring it into conflict with local farmers and it is considered to be an agricultural pest in some areas. More

The Spur-winged Goose, (Plectropterus gambensis), is a large bird in the family Anatidae, related to the geese and the shelducks, but distinct from both of these in a number of anatomical features, and therefore treated in its own subfamily, the Plectropterinae. It occurs in wetlands throughout sub-Saharan Africa. More

Spur-winged Goose | Plectropterus gambensis = The Spur-winged Goose is a Southern African bird that belongs to the Anatidae bird family group which includes birds such as Ducks, Geese. The description for the Spur-winged Goose (Latin name Plectropterus gambensis) can be found in the 7th Edition of the Roberts Birds of Southern Africa. The Plectropterus gambensis can be quickly identified by its unique Roberts identification number of 116 and the detailed description of this bird is on page 95. More

Spur-winged goose decoy shells in a fieldThese are life-sized spur-winged goose decoy shells for use on land. The shells are moulded from high quality ABS material, which gives them long life under the most rugged conditions. Excellent three-dimensional shape, colour and detail, make them extremely effective. Packed 6 per box, 3 sentries (head up) and 3 feeders (head down) together with mounting stakes. More