Cape Barren Goose

1. Prominent green-yellow cere covering the short black bill.

2. Pale grey plumage with scattered dark spots and a small head.

3. Pink to deep red legs with black feet.

These geese are specialized grazers, feeding mainly on native tussock grasses, spear grass, herbs, succulents, and occasionally pasture crops like clover and barley. They are largely terrestrial and rarely swim, entering water mainly to protect their young. Cape Barren Geese are monogamous, forming life-long pair bonds. Breeding occurs from June to September, with nests built on the ground among grass or low shrubs. Females lay 4–7 eggs, which are incubated for about 35 days; both parents care for the goslings. Their ability to drink salt or brackish water allows them to remain on offshore islands year-round.

Cape Barren Geese inhabit offshore islands and coastal areas of southern Australia, including Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. During the breeding season (winter), they nest on small, often uninhabited islands with low vegetation. In summer, non-breeding birds may move to mainland coastal pastures, especially areas with short, irrigated grass. They are most often seen in grassy areas, open heathy scrub, or coastal farmland, and are typically observed in pairs or small groups.