The upland goose or Magellan goose is a sheldgoose of the shelduck-sheldgoose subfamily of the Anatidae, the biological family that includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl such as the geese and swans. Sheldgeese resemble true geese and display similar habits, yet they are more closely related to shelducks and ducks. The two recognized subspecies of upland goose are the continental picta subspecies and the insular (island) leucoptera subspecies.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Chile and Argentina north through Patagonia to the Pampas, and on the Falkland Islands. It breeds in open steppe, coastal meadows, and pasturelands, often near freshwater but seldom on it. Outside the breeding season, continental birds can move north to richer grasslands and agricultural fields. The Falkland subspecies is largely resident on windswept coastal and inland grasslands. It avoids dense forests and prefers broad, open vistas where predators are easier to spot.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the Magellan goose, the upland goose is a sheldgoose native to southern South America, with striking sexual dimorphism: males are mostly white, females are brown and boldly barred. It favors open grasslands rather than wetlands and often grazes like a small sheep. Two subspecies exist: the continental C. p. picta and the Falkland Islands C. p. leucoptera. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season and is wary and strongly territorial when nesting.
Watercolour of a male bird made by Georg Forster on James Cook's second voyage to the Pacific Ocean. This picture is the holotype for the species.
Upland geese in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Egg in the collection of the Muséum de Toulouse
Female upland goose caring for her offspring, El Calafate, Argentina
Temperament
wary and territorial during breeding, otherwise gregarious
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Monogamous pairs defend nesting territories vigorously, often nesting on the ground in grass tussocks or low cover. Family groups remain together after hatching, and sizeable flocks form in nonbreeding periods, especially on rich pastures. They are primarily diurnal and spend much time grazing and loafing.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal and noisy: males give high, whistling calls and sharp notes, while females utter deeper, cackling honks. Alarm calls are loud and repeated, carrying over open landscapes.
