©
Nigel Key Ruddy-Headed Goose
(Slimbridge May 2017)
The Ruddy-Headed Goose is a sheldgoose of the sub family Tadorninae, which breeds in southern most South America.
The Ruddy-Headed Goose remains numerous in the Falkland Islands but has been reduced to a few hundered in Tierra del Fuego mainly due to the South American Grey Fox which was introduced to control the rabbit population.
The Ruddy-Headed Goose is now protected under the Bonn Convention which came into force in 2016.
| Hear the Ruddy-Headed Goose's Call:- |
|
|
Conservation Status
Size
350mm to 400mm (14" to 16")
Appearance - Male
The head and upper neck is Chestnut Brown, Dark Brown eyes with a White eye ring and a short Black bill. The breast and underparts are Buff with Black barring and the upperparts are Grey, the tail and rump are Black. The wings are White with Black primary feathers, Brown tertials and a Green speculum. The legs and feet are Orange.
Appearance - Female
The female is similar to the male.
Habitat
Open grassy plains and meadows.
Diet
Grasses, plants, stems, seedheads and sedges.
Breeding Time
September to October.
Eggs
Quantity: 4 to 11
Colour: Light Brown.
