This is a small, compact goose with a short neck and stubby bill. The face, crown, and hindneck are white. The chin, throat, and foreneck are black, breast and upperparts are dark gray with fine black and white barring. The uppertail coverts are dark, while the tail itself is all white, a unique combination. The bill is a pale pink in color, while the legs are bright orange. Juvenile: Young birds are dark gray overall, with white feather edges that form a distinctive scaly pattern. The tail is white. The legs are a dull yellow.

Length: 66 (cm) Wingspan: 122 (cm)

Habitat:

rocky coasts, coastal marshes, pastures

Behavior:

Usually found along the coast. Individuals occasionally venture inland within flocks of other geese. Lone birds will occasionally join with flocks of exotic park geese.

Feeding:

Eats aquatic plants, grasses, mollusks, and crustaceans.