Spur-winged Goose
Plectropterus gambensis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Spur-winged Goose is a large, striking waterfowl with predominantly black plumage contrasted by white wing patches and belly. Its head and neck display iridescent green and purple hues, while a prominent red facial knob and pinkish legs add to its distinctive appearance.
Males are larger than females, with more extensive iridescence, a larger red facial patch and a larger facial knob. Females have a browner overall colouration and a smaller knob. Juveniles resemble females but lack the facial knob.
Size
Length
75cm to 115cm
Wingspan
150cm to 200cm
Weight
4kg to 6.8kg
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Spur-winged Geese inhabit a wide range of wetland habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, including marshes, lakes, rivers, and flooded grasslands. They are also found in savannah and open woodland areas, particularly when these are near water bodies.
During the dry season, they may congregate in large numbers around permanent water sources. Some populations undertake local migrations in response to seasonal rainfall patterns and water availability.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Spur-winged Goose. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Whilst capable of powerful flight when needed, the Spur-winged Goose shows a preference for running or swimming when threatened. Their ability to navigate both water and land effectively, combined with their considerable size, suggests moderate agility for a large waterfowl.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
One of Africa's largest waterfowl species, weighing up to 6.8kg with a wingspan of up to 2 metres. Their powerful build, equipped with wing spurs for defence, and ability to dig for roots and tubers demonstrates considerable strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable species thriving across various habitats from wetlands to savannahs, up to 3,000 metres elevation. Their diverse diet and ability to adjust to seasonal changes through local migration shows strong environmental adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
The presence of wing spurs used in territorial disputes and defence indicates significant aggressive capability. Their size and defensive adaptations make them formidable when threatened, though they typically prefer avoidance over confrontation.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Demonstrates good endurance through their partial migration patterns and ability to travel considerable distances between feeding and breeding grounds. Their capacity to forage extensively and defend territories suggests solid stamina, though they're not known for prolonged flight activity.
Diet
Spur-winged Geese are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, aquatic plants, and crops. They also consume small invertebrates and occasionally fish.
Their strong bill allows them to dig for roots and tubers, while their long neck enables foraging in shallow water.
Behaviour
Spur-winged Geese are often seen grazing in open grasslands, using their strong legs and feet to forage. They are generally gregarious, forming large flocks outside the breeding season.
When threatened, they prefer to run or swim rather than fly but are capable of powerful, direct flight when necessary.
Vocalisation
Spur-winged Geese are generally quiet but produce a variety of vocalisations. Their most common call is a loud, nasal honking, often described as a 'honk-honk' or 'hank-hank'.
During courtship or when alarmed, they may emit softer whistles or grunts.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season, though the timing varies across their range. Pairs are monogamous and often return to the same nesting sites year after year.
Nests are usually constructed on the ground near water, hidden in dense vegetation. The female lays 6-14 cream-coloured eggs in a shallow depression lined with grass and down.
Incubation lasts about 30-32 days and is primarily undertaken by the female. The male remains nearby, guarding the nest. Goslings are precocial and can leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching, staying with their parents for several months.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Spur-winged Geese face localised threats from habitat loss and hunting.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and regulating hunting practices to ensure sustainable populations across their range.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
100,000 - 1,000,000 mature individuals
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large, dark waterfowl with white wing patches in wetlands and grasslands
- Listen for their distinctive honking calls, especially in flight
- Observe their behaviour on land, where they spend much time grazing
- Watch for their reluctance to fly when approached, often preferring to run or swim
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult Spur-winged Geese have few natural predators due to their size, but eggs and goslings are vulnerable to various predators including monitor lizards, large birds of prey, and crocodiles.
Did You Know?
- Spur-winged Geese have a sharp spur on their wings, used for defence and during territorial disputes.
- They are one of the largest wild waterfowl species in Africa.
- Despite their name, they are more closely related to shelducks than true geese.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Plectropterus gambensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22680057A92840685.
View source - 2 3
report, 2006: Wetlands International
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.