Head to head
Andean Goose vs Upland Goose
Andean Goose
VS Upland Goose
Both geese belong to the same wider group of South American waterfowl, but they have settled at opposite ends of the elevation scale.
| Andean Goose | Upland Goose | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Chloephaga melanoptera | Chloephaga picta |
| Elevation | The highest-living member of its genus | Lowland grassland and coastline |
| Plumage | Mostly white with black wingtips | White males, barred reddish-brown females |
| Abundance | Not documented as agriculturally significant | The most common Patagonian goose, sometimes a pest |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Increasing |
| Habitat preference | Closely tied to high-altitude wetlands | Open grassland away from the coast |
| Habitat | Mountains, wetlands | Grassland, coastal |
Andean Goose vs Upland Goose: common questions
Which one lives at higher altitude?
The Andean goose lives at higher altitude, found almost exclusively across the high Andean plateau, unlike the upland goose, which stays within lowland Patagonian grassland.
Which one is considered an agricultural pest in places?
The upland goose is considered this way in some farming areas, having become numerous enough to compete with livestock for pasture grass, unlike the more wetland-restricted Andean goose.
Which one is more closely tied to wetland habitat?
The Andean goose is more tied to wetlands, rarely found far from high-altitude lakes and bogs, while the upland goose instead grazes fully open grassland away from water.