The Cape Barren Goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) is a species of goose endemic to southern Australia. It is a distinctive large, grey bird that is mostly terrestrial and is not closely related to other living members of the subfamily that contains Geese and Swans.
Its another example of an Australian bird that has gone its own way from an evolutionary point of view - and there is still some work to be done before we fully understand how this bird is related to other geese and swans. In fact some authorities consider it more closely related to shellducks. A PhD awaits I suspect.
This species has a bright greenish-yellow patch called a cere on its beak, pinkish legs and black feet -although the feet are hidden by the grass in these images. They weigh anything between 3.7 and 5.2 kg, and it will come as no surprise that they were a popular food bird in the past.
These birds may be part of the 'small number' that have recently shifted from breeding on small islands off the south coast of Australia to breeding on mainland Victoria.
Thanks for the great photos. That is an amazingly beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful new bird to me! I love that we have wild ducks that have long lived around Waikiki who appreciate our water feature at our building and often do water landings and takeoffs and raise their young on our property. Thanks for this weekly restorative party friend Aloha
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely, aren't they? YAM xx
These are beauties, not huge for geese. Unique marking on the beak!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a new bird I don't know about.
ReplyDeleteOne of the distinct highlights of my visit to Australia.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. Sometimes I see one here too in the shelter.
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart :)
ReplyDeleteA lovely goose with it's bluish grey plumage and white green tipped beak.
All the best
Sonjia
Great shots of the geese. They are quite different in color from any of our geese.
ReplyDeleteAnother great post! Always enjoy learning about Australia's unique wildlife.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating look at the Cape Barren Goose—such a striking bird with a story all its own. I really appreciated how you highlighted its unique place in the avian family tree; it’s always exciting to hear about species that defy easy classification. The possibility of it being closer to shellducks than geese just adds to the intrigue. And that detail about their mainland breeding shift is particularly interesting—nature always finds new paths, doesn’t it?
ReplyDeleteI’ve just published a new blog post myself and would love for you to check it out when you have a moment. I’d be so glad to hear your thoughts.
Interesting looking bird.
ReplyDeletenever seen the bird like your photos....
ReplyDeleteunique and pretty