Cereopsis
or
Cape Barren Geese
Cereopsis novaehollandiae
"Petunia," (Feb. 1, 2000 -- June 7, 2005) my Cereopsis goose, showing off her lime green beak
Photos courtesy of Robert Sussman
This primitive southern Australian goose was once considered an aberrant shelduck. Males may be larger and heavier than females, but the plumage is similar in both sexes. The bill is black but has a greatly enlarged greenish-yellow cere. Legs are pinkish with black feet. Goslings are very attractive, being black on the upperparts with a broad white stripe down each side.
They are somewhat sociable and nest in colonies, but the nests are well spaced and vigorously defended. In captivity pairs can be very aggressive to other fowl and paired males often attack their keepers. Captive females on the other hand, when kept on their own, can become very tame. The males' call is a loud "ark, ark-ark, ark-ark," and the females make a low, piglike grunt.
They are one of the most terrestrial geese, taking to water only if the goslings are threatened. Access to green feed is important in keeping these birds healthy. Incubation takes 35-37 days for the clutch of 3-7 eggs.
Cereopsis Goose Links:
A wild flock on Phillip Island in Australia
Talk about the tameness of the female Cereopsis! "Petunia" has become my
social director and grounds superintendant. Here she is hostessing at a party for over 100
people.
Photo courtesy of Susan Rodetis
A pen of Cereopsis geese: that's a male standing upright in front and "Petunia" all the way to the left in the rear (the day I bought her)
Two more shots of "Petunia," showing her pink legs and black feet
Right photo courtesy of Robert Sussman
Another flock on Phillip Island
Photo courtesy of Howard Weitzman
A family, parents on the left
Photo courtesy of Irina Meyer
Cereopsis rarely swim, but I caught this family on the water
Best friends!
Photos courtesy of Marlis Momber
Another pair seen on Phillip Island
Juvenile Cape Barren Geese
Photo courtesy of Irina Meyer
The lion and the lamb?
"Beau" & "Petunia"
So why are you staring at us?
A Cereopsis gosling
Photo courtesy of Clyde Robinson & Avian Empire
Cereopsis gosling with its mother
Photo courtesy of Clyde Robinson & Avian Empire
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Direct questions and comments to Barry at FeatherSite -- questions and comments