The Ruddy-headed Goose Chloephaga rubidiceps is diminishing in aviculture, possibly because of its aggressive nature. This is a handsome goose which shows no plumage difference between the sexes. Recent studies have shown that the South American mainland and Falkland Island populations of the Ruddy-headed Goose are genetically distinct, making a strong case for a species split. Because of the size of the Falklands population, this goose is listed as of Least Concern, though the South American population would qualify as being Endangered. These primarily grazing birds are felt to compete for forage and have been persecuted in the past. In 2011, the Argentine Government imposed a total goose hunting ban to address the decline, as Ruddy-headed geese are very similar in appearance to female Magellan Geese Chloephaga picta.
The genetic difference between the 2 populations of Ruddy-headed is 0.6%, which does not seem a lot, but the difference between the 2 subspecies of the Magellan Goose is 0.59%. The kept populations of the Ruddy-headed in Europe are probably a mix of the two. Only DNA testing could determine the extent.
Picture by Alan Henry at Goose Green, Falkland Islands
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