9-6-2023 MANDAI BIRD PARADISE, SINGAPORE - CAPE BARREN GOOSE (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)

The species' common name is derived from Cape Barren Island, where specimens were first sighted by European explorers.

Their ability to drink salt or brackish water allows numbers of geese to remain on offshore islands all year round. They are one of the rarest of the world's geese. They are gregarious outside the breeding season, when they wander more widely, forming small flocks.

A previous decline in numbers appears to have been reversed as birds in the east at least have adapted to feeding on agricultural land. The breeding areas are grassy islands off the Australian coast, where this species nests on the ground. Breeding pairs are strongly territorial. It bears captivity well, quite readily breeding in confinement if large enough paddocks are provided.

In Australia, 19th-century explorers named a number of islands "Goose Island" due to the species' presence there.

A few geese were introduced near Christchurch, New Zealand, where the population persists.

In 1968, a small number of geese were introduced to Maria Island.

 

30-7-2019 ISABEL CATOLICA PARQUE GIJON, ASTURIAS - CAPE BARREN GOOSE (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)

The Cape Barren goose, known scientifically as Cereopsis novaehollandiae and colloquially as the pig goose, is a large, predominantly terrestrial bird endemic to southern Australia. It is a unique species within the Anserinae subfamily, not closely related to other geese.

Adults are robust, measuring 75–100 cm in length and weighing 3.7–5.2 kg, with males typically larger than females. Their plumage is primarily pale grey with a brownish hue. The head is small relative to the body, with a distinctive pale whitish patch on the forehead and crown. The bill is short, black, and triangular, featuring a prominent pale yellow-green cere. The breast and back feathers have pale edges, while the wings have brownish grey spots near the tips of the upperwing coverts and scapular feathers. Flight feathers are grey with black tips, and the tail feathers are black. Legs are pink with black feet.

The Cape Barren goose thrives on grassy islands off the Australian coast, where it nests on the ground. It is well-adapted to captivity, breeding successfully in large paddocks.

This species has a strong presence on various "Goose Islands" named by 19th-century explorers. It has also been introduced to areas near Christchurch, New Zealand, and Maria Island in 1968, where populations continue to exist.

The Cape Barren goose is a ground-dweller, grazing on a variety of grasses, sedges, legumes, herbs, and succulents. It is monogamous, often mating for life, and performs a 'triumph ceremony' post-mating. Breeding occurs in winter, with pairs establishing territories in autumn. They can drink salt and brackish water, enabling year-round island habitation.

Males emit a rapid, high-pitched honking, especially during takeoff or flight. Both sexes produce low, pig-like grunts and hisses when alarmed. Goslings make whistling distress calls.

Pairs may nest singly or in colonies, with nests made of vegetation and down. Females lay 4-5 creamy white eggs, incubated solely by the female for 34-37 days. Both parents care for the young.

Their diet includes Poa poiformis, Disphyma australe, Myoporum insulare, and species of Trifolium and Juncus.

The Cape Barren goose is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a previous decline in numbers now reversed in the east due to adaptation to agricultural land.