Magpie Goose

The magpie goose is the sole living representative species of the family Anseranatidae. This common waterbird is found in northern Australia and southern New Guinea. As the species is prone to wandering, especially when not breeding, it is sometimes recorded outside its core range. Their diet is mainly plants, though young geese will also eat invertebrates. Magpie geese usually breed late in the wet season. The Magpie Goose is seen in floodplains and wet grasslands. Some individuals, mostly younger birds, may be seen at quite long distances inland.

Scientific name: Anseranas semipalmata

Conservation status: Least Concern (Population stable) 

Mass: 4.4 – 6.6 lbs 

Family: Anseranatidae

Order: Anseriformes

Phylum: Chordata