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Andean goose
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Illustration of an Andean goose (Chloephaga melanoptera) showing a mostly white bird with black wing feathers, pink legs, and a pink-tipped beak.
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Andean goose

bird
Also known as: Chloëphaga melanoptera
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Quick Summary

Illustration of an Andean goose (Chloephaga melanoptera) showing a mostly white bird with black wing feathers, pink legs, and a pink-tipped beak.
Andean goose Andean goose (Chloëphaga melanoptera).

The Andean goose (Chloephaga melanoptera) is a species of sheldgoose, which are larger members of the duck tribe Tadornini, belonging to the family Anatidae. Sheldgeese inhabit tropical and subtropical regions globally. They are characterized by small bills, relatively long legs, and an upright stance, with some possessing bony spurs at the wing bend for defense.1

While they resemble geese, they are not true geese. The Andean goose is one of several South American sheldgoose species, alongside the kelp goose and Magellan goose.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
4 Britannica Sources
  1. white-fronted goose
  2. sheldgoose
  3. anseriform - General features
  4. anseriform - Reproductive behaviour

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