Location
Yellow Water, Kakadu National Park
Australia
Metadata
Make Nikon D1X
Lens Nikkor AF VR 80-400 mm f/4.5-5.6D
at 600 mm
Exposure 1/1250 s, f/5.6, ISO 400
Image size 800 x 533 pixels
IOC Names
Order Anseriformes Family Anseranatidae
Deutsch Spaltfußgans Dutch Ekstergans
Italian Oca gazza Spanish Ganso Urraco
Comments
The Magpie Goose has been given the rank of the Anseranatidae family because of its primitive characteristics. In contrast to other Anseriformes, the Magpie Goose has barely webbed feet and its toes are very long, making it easy to perch in small branches. Its legs are so long that they extend beyond its tail, a feature unique among waterfowl. The male makes a nest with two females and all three cooperate in building it, incubating the eggs and rearing the young. The latter are fed bill-to-bill; other waterfowl place the food in the nest. The male is recognized by the dome on its head, as shown in the photo.
|
| 26/04/2002 |
Magpie Goose male |
Jean-Michel PAULUS
|