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The Spur-winged Goose is Africa's largest waterfowl, known for the sharp spurs on its wings used for defense. These large, black-and-white geese are found in wetlands and floodplains across Sub-Saharan Africa, and they have a unique diet that can include toxic blister beetles, making the birds themselves potentially poisonous to predators, including humans. They are omnivorous, feeding on both plants and small animals, and can cause damage to crops due to their preference for grains and fodder. Physical characteristics and defense They are the largest waterfowl species in Africa, with some males weighing over \(10\) kg.Their appearance is mostly black with metallic green glossing and white on the face and belly, and they have pinkish-red legs and bills.The "spur" is a sharp, hard projection on the bend of each wing, which they use aggressively for defense and territorial disputes with other birds.
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Habitat and diet They inhabit a wide range of wetland habitats, such as rivers, lakes, swamps, and floodplains, but also frequent agricultural fields.They are predominantly herbivores, feeding on seeds, grasses, and crops, but will also eat insects and small fish.Some populations are potentially poisonous due to their diet of blister beetles, which contain the toxin cantharidin. Behavior and breeding Spur-winged Geese are often gregarious and can form large flocks, though they are shy and wary.They are monogamous and their breeding season varies depending on the region.Nests are typically built in vegetation near water, but they will also use tree holes, rock cavities, or termite mounds.Females incubate the eggs and care for the young, while males may stay to defend the area.
