Ruddy-headed Goose

About the Ruddy-headed Goose

The ruddy-headed goose (Chloephaga rubidiceps) is a species of waterfowl in tribe Tadornini of subfamily Anserinae. It is found in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. The ruddy-headed goose is monotypic. The ruddy-headed goose is 45 to 52.5 cm (18 to 21 in) long. It is the smallest of the South American sheldgeese of genus Chloephaga, with males weighing 1.65 to 2.02 kg (3.6 to 4.5 lb) and females 1.20 to 1.50 kg (2.6 to 3.3 lb). Adults of both sex have the same plumage. Their heads and necks are red-brown, with a short, thin black bill. The iris is dark brown, with a white eyering. The back, breast, and flanks are gray and buff with brown barring. The wings are gray overall, with an iridescent green speculum, black primaries, and bright white lesser wing-coverts and secondaries. They have a cinnamon belly, sometimes with white patches, and their tail is black. The legs and feet are orange with black blotchy markings, and the carpal knob is orange. Juveniles are similar to adults but duller overall and with a blackish or gray speculum.

The ruddy-headed goose is found in the eastern Chilean and Argentinian... Wikipedia →