Cape Barren Goose vs Blue-winged Goose

In short

The Cape Barren Goose and Blue-winged Goose are both large, grey waterfowl, but they can be distinguished by their bill and wing coloration. The Cape Barren Goose has a distinctive greenish-yellow cere and lacks the blue wing patch seen in the Blue-winged Goose.

Identification tips

• Look for the greenish-yellow cere on the Cape Barren Goose's bill.
• Check for the blue wing patch on the Blue-winged Goose.
• Consider the geographic location: Cape Barren Goose in Australia, Blue-winged Goose in Ethiopia.

Size

Both species are similar in size, being large and robust geese.

Plumage

The Cape Barren Goose is mostly grey with a greenish-yellow cere on its bill, while the Blue-winged Goose has a notable blue patch on its wings and lacks the colorful cere.

Behaviour

Both species are generally terrestrial and graze on grasses, but specific behavioral differences are not well documented.

Habitat

Cape Barren Goose is typically found in southern Australia, often on offshore islands, while the Blue-winged Goose is endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia.

Voice

Vocalizations are not well documented for field differentiation, but both species have typical goose-like calls.