Exotic Animals > Cape Barren Geese

Cape Barren Geese

Cereopsis novaehollandiae
INTRODUCED

DISTRIBUTION: Natural range is southern Australia; it was liberated to Lakes Hawea and Wanaka, and central Otago in 1914.

HABITAT: Cape barren geese rarely swim, they spend most time on land in grassy fields.

BREEDING: Females lay 2-6 eggs, the nest is usually on the ground in a bush or long grass. The goslings have black and white stripes.

FOOD: Grasses, crops and a selection of seeds and aquatic weeds.

VOICE: Female: a low grunting sound. Male: a loud trumpeting.

GENERAL: The sexes are alike and are mainly grey with white on the head with red legs. The bill is covered in a yellow fleshy wax-like skin. In Australia they were once shot because of the volume of grass they consumed and because humans found them good eating. They were considered endangered, but their numbers are recovering. They can be bold aggressive geese with a great character.


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