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Location: Lake Murray, La Mesa, CA
Date: 2001-07-01
Lens: Tamron 200-400mm F5.6
Location: San Diego Bay, San Diego, CA
Date: 2004-03-07
Lens: Canon 400mm F5.6

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Brown Chinese Goose Anser cygnoides


Description

Domesticated from the Swan Goose in Central Siberia over 2,000 years ago, the Chinese Goose is the smallest of all domestic geese. It is sometimes referred to as the "Swan Goose" because of its graceful manner. There are two varities of the Chinese Goose, White and Brown. The original variety is similiar to the Brown Chinese Goose. Because they eat grasses and weeds these birds are often bred and used for "weeding" purposes. They have also been considered good "watch-dogs", as they can be quite aggressive and vocal when threatened.



Appearance

Brown back and wings. Brown neck stripe down the back of its neck. Whitish underparts. Dusky white-brown flanks. Black bill with a large knob at the base. Orange legs and feet. Short, upward held tail. Female has a smaller body and bill knob. 16.5 inches in length.



Habitat

Lakes, ponds, and farms.



Nesting

40-100 white eggs in a year; considered the best egg-laying goose.






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