The Orinoco goose is a Near Threatened species of waterfowl in the tribe Tadornini of subfamily Anserinae. It is found in every mainland South American country except Chile, French Guiana, Suriname, and Uruguay.
Region
Northern and central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the Orinoco and Amazon basins, with records from most mainland South American countries except Chile, French Guiana, Suriname, and Uruguay. It favors large river systems with adjacent gallery forest, seasonally flooded savannas, and sandbars. Nests in tree cavities or cliffs near water and often roosts in tall trees. Local movements track water levels, and it avoids high Andean zones and coastal marine habitats.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Despite its name, the Orinoco goose often perches and nests in trees, using cavities high above rivers and oxbow lakes. It is Near Threatened due to hunting, disturbance, and wetland alteration across parts of its range. Pairs are conspicuous on sandbars and river edges where they defend small territories. It belongs to the sheldgoose tribe (Tadornini), showing both goose-like and duck-like traits.
Temperament
wary and territorial in pairs
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups; strongly monogamous. Nests in tree cavities or on cliffs near rivers; chicks leap from the nest to follow parents to water. Adults defend small shoreline territories and often roost in trees to avoid predators.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include clear, carrying whistles, especially from males, and lower grunts or honks from females. Calls are most frequent during territorial displays and pair communication along riverbanks.
Plumage
Pale buff to whitish body with darker chestnut areas on the neck and flanks; glossy dark wings with white patches and black primaries. A short, dark mane-like crest on the nape is distinctive. Tail is dark; underwings show contrasting black and white in flight.
Diet
Primarily grazes on short grasses, sedges, and other herbaceous plants along river margins and floodplains. Also takes seeds and aquatic vegetation, and only occasionally small invertebrates. Foraging is mainly by walking and grazing, with some dabbling in shallow water.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on sandbars, riverbanks, and seasonally flooded meadows adjacent to forested rivers. Often selects open edges near cover, including oxbow lakes and gallery forests.
