The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
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.
References and further reading
The Sandton Field Guide - Author: Sandton Nature Conservation Society - Published: 1982 - Page: 44Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 46
The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 33
The Birds of South Africa - Author: Hazel Stokes - Published: 1979 - Page: 5
Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 135
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 76
Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 109
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 96
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 72
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 94
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 88
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 56
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 60
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 88
Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 64
Gamebirds and Waterfowl of Southern Africa - Author: CG Finch-Davies, Dr Alan Kemp - Published: 1986 - Page: 75
Gamebirds and Waterfowl of Southern Africa - Author: CG Finch-Davies, Dr Alan Kemp - Published: 1986 - Page: 77
Gamebirds and Waterfowl of Southern Africa - Author: CG Finch-Davies, Dr Alan Kemp - Published: 1986 - Page: 71
Gamebirds and Waterfowl of Southern Africa - Author: CG Finch-Davies, Dr Alan Kemp - Published: 1986 - Page: 73
Freshwater Life - Author: C. Griffiths, J. Day & M. Picker - Published: 2015 - Page: 46
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 40
Everyones Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Published: 1987 - Page: 46
Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 39
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 11
Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 35
Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 35
Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Published: 1992 - Page: 12
Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 30
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 167
Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 61
Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 54
A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 50
A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 167
A coloured Key to the Wildfowl of the World - Author: Peter Scott - Published: 1957 - Page: 70