Blue-winged goose

The blue-winged goose is a waterfowl species which is endemic to Ethiopia. It is the only member of the genus Cyanochen.

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Distribution

Region

Horn of Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs in the Ethiopian Highlands around high-altitude lakes, bogs, moorlands, and along clear, fast-flowing streams. It favors tussocky grasslands and sedge-dominated wetlands with nearby open water. Breeding territories are typically near stream banks or marshy ground with dense cover. Outside breeding, it may range more widely across alpine meadows and valley bottoms but generally stays within the high plateau.

Altitude Range

1800–4200 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size64–75 cm

Wing Span120–140 cm

Male Weight3 kg

Female Weight2.5 kg

Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The blue-winged goose is the only member of the genus Cyanochen and is confined to the Ethiopian Highlands. It relies on high-elevation moorlands and wetlands where it grazes like a true goose. The species shows a distinctive slate-blue wing panel most evident in flight. Habitat loss and disturbance in the highlands pose ongoing risks.

Gallery

wild in Ethiopia

At Baltimore Zoo having a drink of water

At Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park

Behaviour

Temperament

wary and rather quiet

Flight Pattern

strong direct flier with steady wingbeats, often low over valleys

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family groups; larger loose flocks can form outside the breeding season. It is largely monogamous, nesting on the ground near streams or marsh edges, often hidden in tussocks. Both parents attend the brood and lead goslings to feeding areas soon after hatching.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are mostly soft, low honks and gruff calls, with males giving deeper notes. Alarm calls are sharper and more rapid, especially when flushed from cover.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Blue-winged leafbird

The blue-winged leafbird is a species of leafbird found in forest and second growth throughout Southeast Asia as far east as Borneo and as far south as southern Sumatra. It previously included Jerdon's leafbird from the Indian Subcontinent, and the Bornean leafbird from northern Borneo as subspecies, but differs from both in measurements and morphology, with Jerdon's lacking any blue to the flight feathers, and Bornean having a distinctive male-like female plumage. The Javan leafbird, which is endemic to Java, was also formerly grouped with the species, but more recent phylogenetic studies have split both. The distribution of the blue-winged and the Bornean leafbird are known to approach each other, but there is no evidence of intergradation.

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