Cape Barren Goose (1/12)

ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae

Cereopsis novaehollandiae  

The Cape Barren Goose nests on the ground during the Australian winter, in June to August; the female sits tightly on the five to six eggs and practically never leaves the nest.

Interestingly, this habit of breeding in the cold months has been retained even in captivity in European zoos, where it nests from November to January.

The male contributes by fiercely attacking any intruder that ventures near the nest.*

*The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Birds Dr Jan Hanzak, Dr Jiri Formanek (1992) p81,82.