An abundant and highly social sheldgoose of southern 
South America and the Falklands, found on open grassland. Despite much persecution from cattle and 
sheep farmers numbers have remained high. Birds pair long-term and breed in open colonies, moving near to 
water with goslings and for moulting, when they may become flightless. Southernmost populations move north 
in winter to more temperate areas. The Falkland birds are larger, sedentary and form the race leucoptera which 
has only a white phase (see next taxa).
 
 Click on the photo to return to "ducks" or here for  
HOMEPAGE
Click on the photo to return to "ducks" or here for  
HOMEPAGE