Kelp Goose

About the Kelp Goose

The kelp goose (Chloephaga hybrida) is a species of waterfowl in tribe the Tadornini of the subfamily Anserinae. It is found in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. The kelp goose has two subspecies, the nominate C. h. hybrida and C. h. malvinarum.

The kelp goose is 55 to 65 cm (22 to 26 in) long. Males of the nominate subspecies weigh 2.54 to 2.58 kg (5.6 to 5.7 lb) and females 2.00 to 2.02 kg (4.4 to 4.5 lb). Subspecies C. h. malvinarum is heavier: Males weigh 3.25 to 3.60 kg (7.2 to 7.9 lb) and females 2.05 to 2.80 kg (4.5 to 6.2 lb). The two subspecies have the same plumage but the sexes are completely different. Adult males are entirely white but for a black bill with a pink spot on the maxilla and yellow legs and feet. Adult females have a pale brown crown and chocolate brown head, neck, and mantle. Their breast and flanks have black and white bars and their back, tail, and undertail coverts are white. Their bill is pink and their legs and feet yellow. Juvenile males resemble adult females but with brown "shoulders" and greenish-yellow legs and feet. Juvenile females have a dark crown and dark uppertail coverts. Wikipedia →