Orinoco Goose

The Orinoco Goose (Neochen jubata ) is a member of the duck, goose and swan family Anatidae. It is in the shelduck subfamily Tadorninae, and is the only member of the genus Neochen.

This 61–76 cm long species is a resident breeder in the forests of tropical South America. Its preference is forest lakes or marshes with access to open woodland or savanna.

It has a pale head and neck, chestnut flanks, dark upperparts and blackish wings with a white speculum. The legs are red and the bill is black. The sexes of this striking species are identical in plumage, though the males are larger; juveniles are duller than adults.

This is a largely terrestrial species, which will also perch readily on trees. It rarely swims or flies unless hard pressed. In flight it looks heavy, more like a goose than a duck, whence the English name.

Orinoco Goose is a very territorial species in the breeding season, and usually nests in hollow trees, only occasionally on the ground. The male has a high pitched whistling call, and the female cackles like the related Egyptian Goose.

Reference

• Wildfowl by Madge and Burn, ISBN 0–7470–2201–1