Andean Goose (Oressochen melanoptera)

Order: Anseriformes | Family: Anatidae  | IUCN Status: Least Concern

andean_goose
Age: Adult | Sex: Male and Female | Loc. Southern Peru


Age: Adult & Chicks | Sex: Female & Unknown | Loc. Southern Peru


Age: Adults | Sex: Male and Female | Loc. Cusco, Peru


Age: Adults | Sex: Unknown | Loc. Piuray, Cusco

Identification & Behavior: ~77.5 cm (30.5 in). The Andean Goose shows sexual dimorphism where the male is larger.  Both sexes are basically white with black half of the back, red legs, and rosy bill.  Juveniles are a dull version of the adults. It does not overlap with the Orinoco Goose, the only other goose occurring in Peru.

Status: The Andean Goose is common in the high Andes at elevations ranging from 3500 to 4500 m. Pairs or small flocks are frequently found in association with wetlands and wet grasslands.

Name in Spanish: Ganso Andino.

Sub-species: Andean Goose (Oressochen melanoptera), Eyton, 1838.

Meaning of Name: Oressochen: Gr. Oressi= mountain and khēn, khēnos= goose. melanoptera: L. melas, melanus= black, ptera, pteron= wing. A grass eater goose with black wings.

Formerly known as Chloephaga melanoptera (2018).

See more of the Family Anatidae   peru aves

Distribution Map
Andean GooseVoice

References:

    • Species range based on: Schulenberg, T. S., D. F. Stotz, and L. Rico. 2006. Distribution maps of the birds of Peru, version 1.0. Environment, Culture & Conservation (ECCo). The Field Museum.  http://fm2.fieldmuseum.org/uw_test/birdsofperu on 11/09/2014.