Spur-winged goose – the largest species of goose in the world
A massive, long-necked, mostly black waterfowl with varying amounts of white on the head, belly and wings. It has a warty red bill, face and legs.
Spur-winged geese like larger inland waters, floodplains, pans, dams and sewage ponds where they feed on grass shoots and seeds, grain, lucerne, tubers, fruit and aquatic plants.
These geese are common residents with seasonal movement up to a few hundred kilometres. They are found in most of South Africa, except the dry Northern Cape.
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These geese are highly gregarious when not breeding and flocks can number 2 000 birds. They are shy and wary, resting on shorelines and sandbanks and foraging early morning, evening and at night.
Flocks fly in staggered lines and sometimes in V formation. The wings make a swishing sound in flight, they call with a feeble, wheezy whistle while airborne.
Breeding takes place from September to April, but in the Western Cape during the rain season from August to October. The nest is a grass lined hollow on the ground, usually in thick grass near water and also in reed clumps. They usually lay six to 12 glossy ivory eggs.
Incubation is 32 to 36 days and a fledging period of about 12 weeks. The isiZulu name is iHophe and in Afrikaans die wildemakou.
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