The Cape Barren Goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) is a true goose - although some books describe it as "an aberrant one" - i.e. not really typical of the birds we call geese. This is a substantial bird, weighing in at about 4 - 6 kg. Every time I see them I am surprise they were not eaten into extinction in the early colonial period of Australian history.
The males and females are very similar - but the female sits on the nest which is a bit of a give away some times.
When ever I watch geese of any kind feeding I can't help but think of them as flying cows - large, slow moving, grass eating herbivores.
The name Cape Barren seems to have come from the Island of the same name, which lies between Tasmania and the mainland - although it only seems to have become popular as a name when sealers started to use the island. I can only assume that was bad news for both the seals and the geese.
 |
| Male |
 |
| Female - on nest |
 |
 |
| eating grass |
Now its over to you for WBW 101!
wow! i like their spotted plumage, tiny bills and big, thick pink legs! neat!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful goose. Love the plumage!! Has the plumage of a Mourning Dove.
ReplyDeleteI love what mother nature does with monochromatic - look at all those beautiful feathers and shades!
ReplyDeleteThey're very pretty!!!!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful bird. I can't get over the short, stocky legs! Nature is amazing.
ReplyDeleteGreat pink "stockings".
ReplyDeleteStewart. Thanks for sharing what I believe is still one of the worlds' rarest Geese that was close to extinction in the 1950's.
ReplyDeleteSuch a stunning bird! Lovely
ReplyDeletephotos, ….. I've never seen The Cape Barren Goose before.
Eva Jorunn Norway
They are beautiful birds, but hefty--I agree, I'm surprised they survived the colonization period! :-) They remind me of prehistoric birds in their form. Still, so lovely!
ReplyDeleteCool birds.
ReplyDeleteLook like gigantic doves, with that gray plumage and pink legs.
Wow! They are big and beautiful! I've never seen one of these! Great captures for the day, Stewart! Hope your week is going well!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds. I like the soft grey colour.
ReplyDeleteOMW What BEAUTIFUL birds. Each image delivers another feature which is so striking. Thanks for sharing. I'm linking my post tomorrow. greetings. Jo
ReplyDeleteGreat looking!! Boom, Bobbi and Gary.
ReplyDeleteThose are some stocky legs!
ReplyDeleteThose are some stocky legs!
ReplyDeleteThose are some stocky legs!
ReplyDeleteIt is rather a "chunky" beast but very attractive Stewart. And like you say it must have been a target for a square meal in the past. You don't say if this particular bird is truly wild, but if so is something of a "sitting goose" to further question its long term survival against man.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the shares with the bird bloggers of the world.
What an interesting bird! I love the feathers on this goose. New bird for me as well.....again:)
ReplyDeleteInteresting looking bird. Nice photos!
ReplyDeleteMaybe they intimidated the colonists.
ReplyDeleteIt is a pretty goose..I am surprised at the stocky legs.. Great shots..thanks for hosting. Have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've heard of this one. A rather substantial bird and very stout legs!
ReplyDeleteThey are a handsome, stocky looking goose. They don't quite look like the geese I am used to seeing, but there are some similarities. I do love their coloring ... the steely blue/gray. Are they common all over Australia or do you have to go to Phillip Island or Cape Barren Great pictures, Stewart ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
What beautiful geese, I love their plumage.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty bird! Their markings are really neat.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a fascinating, plush-looking goose! Excellent photos, Stewart.
ReplyDeleteLove the orange legs! They kind of match the orange legs of the doves I posted!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteWow, a 6KG Goose...bet that can give a painful nip.
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart I have never seen this goose before. It looks like its head is too small for its body. they are beautiful. Thanks for hosting. Hope you are having a great week.
ReplyDeleteHallo Stewart,
ReplyDeletePrachtige foto's van een interessant uitziende vogel.
Foto 2 is mijn favoriet.
Groetjes Irma
Chunky looking for sure. Meaty! It is a wonder they've survived early settlers.
ReplyDeleteReally like the spotts. They look like they would be soft to the touch. Beautiful critters!
ReplyDeleteSplendid birds! Wish we had 'flying cows' in SoCal.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty Goose. Red legs and polka-dots. MB
ReplyDeleteGreat capture. Love the pink "stockings" too. A nice contrast to its color.
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing looking goose - almost looks like it is crossed with pigeon :). Great shots Stewart
ReplyDeleteThe heathers on this goose look three dimensional in your first photo! It is so clear and detailed!!!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. It is a stocky looking bird. The plumage is really pretty.
ReplyDeleteFunny birds, the translated german name is chicken goose, maybe the translator understood something wrong. Nevertheless, a great bird and a great opportunity to observe them.
ReplyDeletebeautiful bird and plumage. hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteTheir plumage really is quite beautiful. I love the way the feathers fall, almost like a Victorian lady's skirt!
ReplyDeleteShe's a beauty. Her color and speckling remind me of our Mourning Dove.
ReplyDeleteHe has an odd face... fun to see!
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing looking goose, not one I've heard of or seen pics of before, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love all pictures... All shots are just outstanding...
ReplyDeleteGreat goosie, goosie, gander shots!
ReplyDeleteShe looks so pretty sitting on her nest. They really do like to browse like cattle.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures Stewart. Really like the second one on the nest.
ReplyDelete