The Magpie Goose is neither a magpie (ie a crow) or a true goose. It belongs to the family Anseranatidae and the genus Anseranas - and it is the only living species of bird that is classified in that way. It is not considered to be a 'true goose' as it has primitive features - but that's about as far down this taxonomic rabbit hole as I am prepared to go tonight!
These birds were photographed in the Northern Territory of Australia - the park images in Darwin and the wetland images in Kakadu National Park.
As a side challenge - how many (and what) other species can you find in these pictures!
As ever, to join in with WBW click on the blue button below. Stay well. SM
Well this was a bit of a challenge but here are my answers. Well Stewart I see the Pied Heron, The Black winged Stilt, Purple Swamphen, Australasia Grebe and possible small wader (couldn’t see its head) or Dusky Moorhen. Thanks for hosting, stay safe adn have a great week ahead
ReplyDeleteWhen is a goose not a goose?? It's pretty whatever one calls it...Not being a true birder, I didn't know what any of the other birds are...lots of black!! Nice series of pictures..
ReplyDeleteA first sighting for me! Thank you for these fine shots. Aloha! Incidentally, the Redwing Blackbird I'm sharing was from N. California - none in Hawaii far as I know.
ReplyDeleteThis species seems to share the "No Birds' Land" between ducks and geese with the Shelducks, Muscovy Ducks and Egyptian Geese. The Swamphens are enjoying g shower as they parade around the bathing non-goose Goose.
ReplyDeleteThey look like they got bonked on the head!
ReplyDeleteNice series of pictures of an enigmatic bird, Stewart. As for other species: Australasian Swamphen, Pied Heron, White-headed Stilt, Comb-crested Jacana and a grebe which I am fairly sure is an Australasian Grebe but there is not a lot of detail from which to draw a conclusion.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThey have a certain...something... prehistorical perhaps?! No but really, they are a fine bird and your shots give them lovely context. YAM xx
I can see the reason for the magpie name. The head is so unusual. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNice shot with moor hens surrounding him.
ReplyDeleteNice to get to know new birds. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAll the best!
Well you KNOW I don't know my water fowl so for the 7 (+a tail end) of some sort of coot????? Stay healthy...jp
ReplyDeleteLove those bottoms up shots! Interesting bird.
ReplyDeleteEveryone with far more knowledge than myself have been listing the birds seen so I will abstain! Beautiful photos. Sorry I have not had the time to spend at my computer this week will try to do better next week. Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique bird! With the wings spread out, it looks prehistoric.
ReplyDeletePrehistoric head but very elegant bird
ReplyDeleteI think Margaret hit most of the other species
Stay safe