Mark Stratton

Upland Goose

About Upland Geese

The upland goose (Chloephaga picta) is a species of goose native to South America, particularly found in southern regions such as Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. Unlike many other geese, which prefer wetlands or water-rich habitats, upland geese are adapted to grasslands and open fields.

Males are predominantly white, with black barring on the back and wings.

Females are brownish with dark barring and resemble other ground-dwelling bird species, such as ducks or quails.

Both sexes have bright yellow-orange legs adapted for walking on the ground.

Upland geese are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, seeds, and other vegetation. They have a grazing habit similar to that of sheep or cattle.

During the breeding season, upland geese form monogamous pairs, and the female usually lays 5-8 eggs in a nest on the ground, hidden among grass or other vegetation. Both parents are involved in raising the young.

Commonality of Upland Geese

They are especially abundant on the Falkland Islands, where they are one of the most common bird species. The absence of natural predators and the availability of open grasslands make the islands an ideal habitat.

Protection & Threats

Upland geese are not currently endangered. However, their populations are subject to habitat modification and hunting threats, particularly in agricultural regions where they are sometimes considered pests due to their grazing habits.

Climate Change

Warming could alter delicate ecosystems in southern regions like the Falkland Islands and Tierra del Fuego. Sub-Antarctic environments may experience changes that force upland geese to shift their range, potentially shrinking their available habitat as warmer climates push the ecosystems they thrive in further south.

Where to see Upland Geese

Upland geese are found in the Falkland Islands, but there is a large, introduced population of upland geese on South Georgia Island.

Interesting facts about Upland Geese

Flightless on the Falkland Islands

Some populations of upland geese on the Falkland Islands are flightless, having adapted to the predator-free environment by losing their ability to fly over time.