Main Page |
Location Yellow Water, Kakadu National Park Metadata Make Nikon D1X IOC Names Order Anseriformes Family Anseranatidae 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.
|
|
||||
All photos are copyright protected. No use without express consent. Authors are grateful for comments. |
|