The Cape Barren goose is a large goose resident in southern Australia. The Cape Barren Goose is a grazing bird, eating predominantly common island tussock grass, Poa poiformis, as well as spear grass and various herbs and succulents. They also eat pasture grasses, including barley and clover, as well as legumes. Cape Barren geese are large birds found in Australia. They are one of the rarest of the world's geese. They are bulky birds and their almost uniformly grey plumage, bearing rounded black spots, is unique. The tail and flight feathers are blackish and the legs are pink with black feet. The short, decurved black bill and green cere gives it a very peculiar expression. Males of this species are somewhat larger than females. Cape Barren geese are herbivorous, eating only plant matter. The usual diet of these birds includes tussock grass Poa poifornis, which is a common plant on the islands of their habitat. In addition, these birds consume a wide variety of grass species, leaves, seeds, and stems. Cape Barren geese are monogamous and form long-lasting territorial pairs. They breed during the winter months, from May to June. Usually, the male builds the nest with vegetation on the ground after which the female lays 3-6 eggs, that are creamy-white in color. Then the female incubates the eggs for 34-37 days. Goslings hatch precocial (well-developed) and both parents care for their young and protect them. Around 70-76 days after hatching, the goslings fledge. They then congregate into small groups, reaching nearby islands or even the continent.

Scientific name: Cereopsis novaehollandiae 

Conservation status: Least Concern (Population stable) 

Mass: 8.8 lbs (Adult) 

Order: Anseriformes

Phylum: Chordata