A land renowned for its diverse wildlife, Australia is home to some of the unique and fascinating bird species on the planet. Among these, the Cape Barren Goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) stands out as a distinctive and intriguing waterfowl species. These geese are not only native to Australia but also endemic to the region. I recently had a great encounter with these wonderful geese and their offspring while visiting the Nobbies at Phillip Island in Victoria.
Habitat and range
Cape Barren Geese are primarily found in the southern and coastal regions of Australia, with the majority of their population concentrated in Tasmania. My recent encounter was at Phillip Island in Victoria (also famous for our Little Penguins). They inhabit various landscapes, including coastal dunes, grasslands, and offshore islands. These adaptable birds are equally comfortable in urban environments, making them a fascinating species to observe for bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Physical characteristics
Cape Barren Geese have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other waterfowl. Some of their key physical features include:
Coloration: These geese have pale grayish plumage with a slightly greenish hue, giving them a distinctive appearance. Their beaks are a striking shade of light green with a black tip, and their legs are pink.
Size: Cape Barren geese are among the largest waterfowl in Australia, with adults reaching lengths of up to 90 centimeters and wingspans of around 1.8 meters. Their impressive size makes them easy to identify in the wild.
Feathering: Their feathers are particularly adapted for buoyancy, which allows them to float gracefully in the water.
Behavior: Cape Barren geese are docile and sociable creatures. They often gather in small to medium-sized groups known as gaggles. They graze on a variety of vegetation, including grasses, herbs, and shrubs. These herbivores are not migratory, which means they stay in their chosen habitat year-round, making it possible to observe them throughout the seasons.
Their unique diet, which consists of a variety of plants, includes species that are typically unpalatable to other herbivores. Their specialized digestive system allows them to extract nutrients from these less desirable plants effectively.
Conservation status
Cape Barren Geese have a unique status in Australia, as they are considered “Near Threatened.” Although their population appears stable, there are concerns about habitat loss and human disturbances. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats and ensuring that human activities do not disrupt their breeding and feeding patterns. It’s currently Spring here in Australia, which of course, means there are lots of goslings around. Sadly, they don’t fear people or traffic so they occasionally get injured.
Capturing them
While these birds are not afraid of people (or cars), I didn’t want to disturb the parents or the babies. I used my Sony A7RV and Tamron 70-300mm lens. Then, I used the length of this lens from 100 -300 mm at f/4.5 ISO640 and 1/5000 seconds. This ensured I caught all the action as they moved around feeding. Also, I stayed as far away as I could manage, especially on the side of a busy road. I didn’t want them or myself to get hurt. Safety first.
The Cape Barren Goose is a remarkable avian species native to Australia, known for its striking appearance, sociable behavior and remarkable adaptability to various environments. Their unique characteristics make them an exciting subject for bird-watchers, ecologists, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. As we strive to protect Australia’s rich biodiversity, the conservation of these and other unique species remains a priority, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at the wonder of the Cape Barren Goose.