The sole living representative of an ancient waterfowl family, with fossils dating back over 30 million years.
VIC: Vulnerable; WA: Endangered; NT: Vulnerable
Indigenous: Gurrumattji, A-Langgurna, Dhawudjarrdalmu, Rlanggurnang, Nunma, Miriyirriyn, Gumakkarl, Langguna, Langgurna, Black and White Goose, Wild Goose, Semipalmated Goose, Pied Goose
At a glance
FamilyMagpie Goose
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatTypically found in and around wetlands, pastures, and orchards across northern Australia.
Best timeMost reliable in Northern Territory from April to May.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Nigel Jackett
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
169222approx records
5states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Typically found in and around wetlands, pastures, and orchards across northern Australia. Soft honking calls given frequently, including in flight.
Behavior
Often seen in very large, noisy flocks. Also perches in trees and on branches.
Gallery
Regional timing
Queensland
New South Wales
Western Australia
South Australia
Victoria
Northern Territory
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory