Spur-winged Goose

Afrikaans name: Wildemakou

Spur-winged Goose

Photo © Steven Herbert

Plectropterus gambensis

The Spur-winged Goose is a widespread and common species. It is found in most of sub-Saharan Africa.

This large bird can weigh over 6 kg with a wingspan of nearly 2 metres.

Virtually any water habitat is home to the Spur-winged Goose.

Most often Spur-winged Geese are seen in small to medium-sized flocks. They eat a variety of vegetable matter.

The Spur-winged Goose breeds in a variety of places including dense vegetation and hollows in trees and rocks.

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References and further reading

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 167

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 61

Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 12

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Year Published: - Page: 35

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 11

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 40

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 2000 - Page: 88

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 94

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 96

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 76

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 46

List of South African Birds