Skip to main content
Today is National Trails Day!
Close

Cape Barren Goose

Cereopsis novaehollandiae

Photo by Andrea Lim
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

-16.7743, 145.682

Field Notes

Description:

This is an exciting Spotting for me! This Cape Barren goose whose distribution is normally restricted to Southern Australia was spotted at Clifton Beach in Far North Queensland. We saw it bobbing along on the waves (Pic 4), getting carried by the wind and current. As it got close to the shore it flew the 10m to the shore. It just stood for a while and then preened itself. It was a large bird to about 80cm tall. It had amazing red-pink legs and a pale lime green cere. It wasn't perturbed by passers by.

Habitat:

Clifton Beach, Nth QLD

Notes:

Update: I spoke to 2 workers from the Cairns Tropical Zoo. The goose was on holidays from the zoo, but has now found its way back. That's why it was so used to people around it.

Reference Links:

Cape Barren Goose

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
Andrea Lim
Thank you for the information Lori. I learnt something new today! Cheers Andrea!
lori.tas
Hi Andrea. These are beautiful birds and I'm glad you got a chance to see one. The light green portion above the bill is called "cere" and is found on both mature and juvenile birds alike. Your spotting is a mature bird, as evidenced by the uniformly grey plumage. Younger birds have brownish backs. I'm surprised to see this one on the water, as they are grass grazers and rarely swim. Here's a spotting of mine, which features their adorable goslings. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/14036213
Andrea Lim
Thank you Rieko! It was very exciting :-)

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Birds of the World
Mission
Global Flight
Mission
2013 Best Wildlife Photo
Mission
Wildlife of North Queensland

Tags

Photographed
PublishedApril 25, 2013

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies