Sheldgeese

The term Sheldgeese includes eight species. Two of the eight are African, and the six South American, five are cold-climate birds, four of which are confined to the far south when breeding. Sheldgeese have quarrelsome dispositions; the males are more truculent than their mates, but females as well can be surprisingly belligerent. They are less gregarious than other birds and they do not favor coasts. They are usually omnivorous and fly only if extreme necessary. They are quite sedentary and they do not like long-distance migrations. Pairs remain together year-round usually in the same areas. During the breeding season ganders emit a rapid, repeated high-pitched whistles which contrast with the loud harsher cackles, growls, quacks and other grating sounds emitted by their mates. Sheldgeese posses short, thick conical bills, they also have long legs and are not dimorphic. Some important Sheldgeese are: Orinoco Goose (Neochen Jubatus), Andean Goose (Chloephaga Melanoptera), Lesser Upland Goose (Chloephaga Picta Picta), Ruddy-Headed Goose (Chloephaga Rubridiceps), Ashy-headed Goose (Chloephaga Poliocephala).