Birds
Upland Goose
Chloephaga picta · also called Magellan goose
Grazing open grassland far from the shoreline favoured by several of its relatives, an upland goose has become so successful across Patagonia and the Falkland Islands that some farmers now consider it a pest rather than simply a common sight.
Overview
The upland goose, Chloephaga picta, is a Least Concern waterfowl species native to grassland and coastal habitat across Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. Its status as the most common and widespread Patagonian goose, its grassland-grazing lifestyle, and its striking difference in plumage between the sexes make it one of the more ecologically successful and visually distinctive geese found anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
A goose that left the coast behind
While several of its closest relatives stay tied to shoreline vegetation, the upland goose has instead spread widely across open grassland, a shift in habitat that has helped make it by far the most abundant and widespread goose species native to southern South America.
Status
Least Concern, remaining abundant and increasing across Patagonia and the Falkland Islands, to the point of being considered an agricultural pest in some farming areas.
Upland Goose: common questions
Why is the upland goose sometimes considered a pest?
This species has become so numerous in some farming areas that it competes with livestock for pasture grass, leading some farmers to consider it an agricultural pest rather than simply wildlife.
How does the upland goose differ from the kelp goose?
This species grazes open grassland habitat well away from the coast, unlike the kelp goose, which feeds almost entirely on seaweed and stays close to the shoreline.
Do male and female upland geese look different?
Yes, this species shows a striking difference in plumage between the sexes, with males mostly white and females a barred reddish-brown, though the difference is less extreme than in some related geese.
Where is the upland goose found?
This species is found widely across Patagonia in southern Argentina and Chile, as well as the Falkland Islands, making it the most common and widespread goose native to the region.