KELP GOOSE Chloephaga hybrida

Closely related to Upland Goose in terms of behaviour and plumage patterns, this goose inhabits coastlines, rarely being found more than one kilometre inland. Quite restricted in range, mainly southern Chile and Tierra del Fuego, with a few in Argentina, moving north in the austral winter somewhat. Again forms long-term pairs which are usually found alone except for small post-breeding flocks. Not suffering persecution from farmers it is usually tame and confiding, the flight shot being something of a rarity, as birds spend most of their time foraging on shorelines, swimming only in shallow water to graze seaweed. Falkland birds are somewhat larger, subspecies malvinarum.

Click on the photo to return to "ducks" or here for HOMEPAGE