About the Magpie Goose
The magpie goose is the sole living representative species of the family Anseranatidae. This waterbird is found in northern Australia and southern New Guinea. The species is not truly migratory but it sometimes travels large distances to find food and water, especially when not breeding, and is sometimes recorded outside its core range. The species was once also widespread in southern Australia but disappeared from there largely due to the drainage of the wetlands where the birds once bred. Due to their importance to Aboriginal people as a seasonal food source, as subjects of recreational hunting, and as a tourist attraction, their expansive and stable presence in northern Australia has been "ensured [by] protective management".
Source: Wikipedia
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Magpie Goose (Anseranatidae) |
| Species | Anseranas semipalmata |
| Species Codes | maggoo1, MAGO |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Magpie Goose belong to?
The Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata) belongs to the Magpie Goose family (Anseranatidae), in the order Anseriformes.
How can I identify the Magpie Goose?
The magpie goose is the sole living representative species of the family Anseranatidae. This waterbird is found in northern Australia and southern New Guinea. The species is not truly migratory but it sometimes travels large distances to find food and water, especially when not breeding, and is some...
Where can I report a Magpie Goose sighting?
You can log sightings of Magpie Goose on eBird (ebird.org) using species code maggoo1, or on iNaturalist.