Scientific name: Anseranas semipalmata – are widespread in Northern Australia, where they may congregate in huge flocks.
The Magpie Goose is a large bird about 70-90 cm in size with females being slightly smaller than males. Both genders have a characteristic bump on top of their heads, which is slightly smaller in females.
Their underparts are white, with contrasting black edges on the underwing. The bill, legs and feet are orange. They differ from most other waterbirds with their feet having strongly clawed toes that are only partially webbed. Although these honking flappers favour areas such as wetlands and swamps, they do tend to move territory during the dry season to areas of greater water.
They form a breeding trio, with two females laying eggs in the same nest for the male to incubate.
We spotted this flock of Magpie Geese very happily feeding near the sugar cane paddock.
For more on what we are seeing daily on tour please refer to our facebook page :https://www.facebook.com/tonystropicaltours
