The Magpie goose (scientifically known as Anseranas semipalmata) is very unique and differentiated among its waterfowl relatives. The magpie goose is a waterfowl, but doesn’t share many of the same characteristics with others, instead using its own stunning personalization of body parts and actions.

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The Magpie goose evolved about 68-67 million years ago, being the world's earliest known Anseranatidae! Although it used to inhabit areas from Australia to the northern tips of Europe, it is now only found in some places of Australia and its neighboring island: New Guinea.

The magpie goose is fully matured at about 2 years of age. At this stage and for the rest of their life, which is an average of thirty-two years, they have orange legs and feet, black on their head, neck, tail, and wings while the rest of the body is white. They have a distinct ‘knob’ on their head, which considerably grows with age. Juveniles lack this knob, and their white color is more grayish. One trait that separates the magpie goose from other waterfowl, is its feet. Although most waterfowl have webbed feet, the magpie geese are only partially webbed, although they live in the same type of environments other birds of relation do.

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The magpie geese population thinned considerably fast since the 1700’s.while they used to cover a fourth of the world, they are now only found in marshes in Australia and New guinea, as explained prior. The main reasons for the species dwindling population number is poachers and human impact on natural land. They are considered endangered in many areas.

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Magpie geese only predators while they are in their mature form are humans- although they eggs are very contrasted. Magpie geese eggs are hunted by a number of organisms; including whistling kites, dingoes, water rats, pythons and more.

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Seeds, rice, bulbs, grass and more of the liking make up most of a magpie gooses diet. Although there is an occasional invertebrate if it satisfies.

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Another thing that separates the magpie goose from other birds of its liking is its breeding habits. While they sometimes mate in twos, they usually mate in trios. These trios being made of one male and two females. They mate for life, and all three parents care for their young. Each bird (female) lays 3-11 eggs. it is usually 24-35 days before the eggs hatch. They only breed once yearly, breeding season is extended February throughout June.

Author: Samantha M 
Published: 02/2013