Birding/Bird ID

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/2/2009


Question

duck in CA
I have a friend in CA who knows I love birds. She sent me a photo of a duck she saw at a swap meet in orange county, Costa Mesa, CA. She said it was very friendly, that it walked right up to her and allowed her to clean a fuzzy dandelion looking material from its bill before she took the photo. I can't find him/her in any of my field guides for north america.

Answer
This is a Swan Goose, also known as African or Chinese Geese (Anser cygnoides). They originated in China and were imported into the USA in the 19th century.

Swan Geese are impressive birds, males standing one meter tall.
There is a great deal of variation in weight. Some varieties are quite small, reaching only 16-20 lbs, while others may weigh as much as 26 lbs.

Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.