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Fast Facts:

  • Domesticated in Central Siberia over 2,000 years ago, the Chinese Goose is the smallest of all domestic geese.

  • They have also been considered good "watch-dogs";, as they can be quite aggressive and vocal when threatened.

Chinese Goose

Scientific Name Anser cygnoides
Habitat Lakes, ponds, and farms
Diet Grasses and weeds
Location

Special Features

The Chinese goose originates from China and is related to the African goose. It is sometimes referred to as the "Swan Goose" because of its’ graceful manner. There are two varieties of the Chinese Goose, White and Brown. The original variety is similar to the Brown Chinese Goose. Because they eat grasses and weeds these birds are often bred and used for "weeding" purposes.

A distinguishing characteristic of Chinese is the knob on top of their head - which is typically larger in males. Brown back and wings with a brown neck stripe down the back of it's neck and whitish under-parts with dusky white-brown flanks. Black bill with a large knob at the base, orange legs and feet and a short, upward held tail.


Social Structure & Behavior

Breeding: A ratio of four to six geese per gander, rather than allowing a one to one pairing, reduces competition in the flock (Holderread, 1981). Chinese have been known to lay large quantities of eggs - over 100 in a year!

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