Andean Goose

Andean Geese (Chloephaga Melanoptera) are residents of the high cordillera of the Chilean, Peruvian and Bolivian Andes. They nest in the puma zone at 13,000-16,400 feet, where they remain for much of the year. Winter snow, induce them to move to marshy plains and damp meadows around the 6,500 foot level. With a predominant white plumage which let camouflage in the snow, they have a coral-red, black-tipped bill. The Andean Goose (Chloephaga Melanoptera) is vegetarian, feeding mainly on grasses, sedges and other fleshy aquatic plants of varied species. The geese sometimes feed with sheep, cattle and horses but the majority favor wetter terrain unsuitable for domestic livestock. Less aquatic than most Sheldgeese, they are reluctant and poor swimmers, floating with breasts low in the water and bulky posteriors held high. Their flocks gather on high lakes and marshy shores in winter and molting groups can be quite large. The Andean Goose (Chloephaga Melanoptera) male gives soft, high-pitched whistles, a series of “pip pip pip pip…”, whereas the female utters low grunts. During the breeding season, males are aggressive and strongly defend the young and the territory, using ritual postures with open wings and stretched neck, sometimes accompanied by loud calls. Females only defend the nest-site. The Andean Goose (Chloephaga Melanoptera) performs slow, heavy flight. The wings are very strong and the flight of this bulky bird requires continuous beating of the wings. The wing muscles are large and well developed, giving the goose its broad-breasted appearance. Female lays 5-10 eggs, and incubates during about one month, while the male remains in the surrounding of the site. At hatching, goslings are covered in white down, and show three blackish bands on the upperparts. As soon as they hatch, the whole family reaches the water where they remain for several weeks, about three months. The young fledge at 12 weeks after hatching, and can breed at three years. Both mates remain together all the life, or for several years. They are monogamous.