Blue-winged Geese
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The Blue-winged Goose (Cyanochen cyanopterus) is a large goose, which is endemic to Ethiopia. It is the only member of the genus Cyanochen. Placement of this species in the waterfowl phylogeny is unresolved; while it is morphologically closest to shelducks, mtDNA sequence analyses of the cytochrome b and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 genes (Johnson & Sorenson, 1999) indicates that it might belong to a very distinct and ancient "duck" clade, perhaps together with Hartlaub's Duck.
Interestingly, the wing color pattern (which is the best morphological indicator of evolutionary relationships in waterfowl) is nearly identical in these two species, and very different from any other anatid (Madge & Burn, 1987).
Breeding:
It breeds by mountain lakes and streams. This little-known species is believed to build a lined nest amongst grass tussocks, and to lay 6-7 eggs. It can swim and fly well, but this terrestrial bird is reluctant to do either, and is quite approachable. It forms flocks outside the breeding season.
Description:
The Blue-winged Goose is a stocky 60-75 cm grey-brown bird with a slightly paler head and upper neck. It has a small black bill and black legs. In flight, this species shows a pale blue forewing. Sexes are similar, but immature birds are duller.
Calls / Vocalization:
This is a quiet species, but both sexes may give a soft whistle.
Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.org
Diet / Feeding:
Blue-winged Geese feed by grazing, and seem to be largely nocturnal, loafing during the day.
Ducks and geese generally feed on larvae and pupae usually found under rocks, aquatic animals, plant material, seeds, small fish, snails and crabs.
Feeding Ducks and Geese ...
We all enjoy waterfowl and many of us offer them food to encourage them to come over and stay around - and it works! Who doesn't like an easy meal!
However, the foods that we traditionally feed them at local ponds are utterly unsuitable for them and are likely to cause health problems down the road. Also, there may be local laws against feeding this species of bird - so it's best to check on that rather than facing consequences at a later stage.
- Click here to find out which foods to feed them that will offer the nutrition they need to survive a cold winter and remain healthy
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