Swan Goose
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The Swan Goose, Anser cygnoides, is a large goose with a natural breeding range in Mongolia and eastern Russia. It is migratory and winters mainly in south and east China where it is familiarly known as the Chinese Goose, and has been domesticated for centuries. There are introduced and feral populations of this species elsewhere.
It has a long neck, long black bill, brown cap and pale underparts apart from some belly streaking; the upperparts are brown and the legs are orange. Sexes are similar, although the male is larger, but juveniles are duller. The voice is a loud honking.
This is a rare goose of the steppes and mountain valleys, which breeds near marshes and other wetlands, laying 5-10 eggs in a ground nest.
It grazes on sedges, and rarely swims. It forms small flocks outside the breeding season.
Its population is declining due to hunting.
References
- BirdLife International (2006). [Anser cygnoides]. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 10 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map, a brief justification of why this species is endangered, and the criteria used
- Wildfowl by Madge and Burn, ISBN 0-7470-2201-1
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