Swan Goose

(Anser cygnoides)

Live: North-central Asia. In winter they spread east further into China and eastern countries, but are now rare in Korea and Japan.

Habitat:Usually found in a range of habitats close to water in summer, in spring they migrate to drier plains for winter.

Diet:: Strictly a grazer of plants.
In the zoo they eat vegetation from beside the ponds and also duck mix.

Breeding: May
Nest: in vegetation on riverbanks, in wetlands and grassy fields. A shallow ground nest, lined with down and dry grass.
Eggs: 5 - 6 white, 82 mm X 56 mm.

Conservation status: Endangered due to habitat loss, pollution and overhunting by humans.

General: Size to 94cm. Weight 3.5kg.
Adults: Sexes alike, but female is smaller than male and has a shorter bill and neck. Swan geese are 'swan-like' in appearance. The crown and back of neck are a dark brown. The throat , cheeks and front of neck are cream-fawn, fading down into the general plumage of the chest. Body mostly ash-brown, lighter on chest and white rear. Brown eyes. Black bill with white band at edge. Grey-brown tail with light feather edges. Red-orange legs.

Habits: These geese form small flocks and have strong pair-bonds for life. Most of their time is spent on land.

Male = gander
Female = goose
Young = gosling

Chick: Brown upper, dark eye patch, underneath dull brown-yellow. Dark grey feet and bill.
Incubation: 29 days by female, male guards. Both parents care for goslings.
Fledge: 75-90 days.
Mature at 2 years.

Predators: Humans