Kelp goose facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kelp goose |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Chloephaga
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| Species: |
hybrida
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The kelp goose (its scientific name is Chloephaga hybrida) is a type of bird that belongs to the same family as ducks, geese, and swans. This family is called Anatidae. You can find these interesting birds in the southern parts of South America. They live mainly in places like Patagonian Chile, Tierra del Fuego, and the Falkland Islands.
Contents
Where Kelp Geese Live
Kelp geese make their homes along the rocky coasts of southern Chile, all the way to the eastern tip of Tierra del Fuego, and also on the Falkland Islands. They choose these rocky areas because that's where their favorite food grows!
What Kelp Geese Look Like
It's easy to tell the difference between male and female kelp geese.
- The males are mostly white. They have a black beak and bright yellow feet.
- The females are dark brown. They have gray stripes across their chest and also have yellow feet.
Kelp Goose Behavior and Life Cycle
Kelp geese are known for their nesting habits.
- Female kelp geese usually lay between 2 and 7 eggs at a time.
- They like to hide their eggs in tall grass to keep them safe.
- The eggs hatch after about a month.
Scientists estimate there are around 15,000 pairs of kelp geese that are able to have babies.
What Kelp Geese Eat
Kelp geese get their name because they eat only one main thing: kelp! Kelp is a type of large seaweed that grows in the ocean. These geese will travel along the coast of South America to find enough kelp to eat.
Fun Facts About Kelp Geese
Did you know that kelp geese are so special that they have appeared on stamps? In the Falkland Islands and Argentina, you can find stamps that feature the kelp goose!
Images for kids
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A female kelp goose on East Falkland.
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A pair of kelp geese on East Falkland.
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Two female kelp geese, one male, and two young geese on Chiloé, Chile.
See also
In Spanish: Caranca para niños
