Blue-winged Goose
From Freepedia
Other uses: Goose (disambiguation)
| Blue-winged Goose</br>Conservation status: Lower risk (nt) | ||||||||||||||
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| Image:Cyanochen cyanopterus1.jpg | ||||||||||||||
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| Cyanochen cyanopterus (Rüppell, 1845) |
The Blue-winged Goose (Cyanochen cyanopterus) is a large sheldgoose, which is endemic to Ethiopia. It is the only member of the genus Cyanochen.
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.
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.
The Blue-winged Goose is a quiet species, but both sexes may give a soft whistle. It feeds by grazing, and is apparently largely nocturnal, loafing during the day.
Reference
- Wildfowl by Madge and Burn, ISBN 0-7470-2201-1
