Two Magpie Geese stand near a water's edge, surrounded by pebbles and vegetation, displaying distinctive black and white plumage.

Magpie Goose

You’ll find 3 magpie geese at Paignton Zoo, up in the ABC aviaries.

Magpie GooseAnseranas semipalmata

  • Class:

    Aves

  • Order:

    Anseriformes

  • Family:

    Anseranatidae

About the magpie goose

The magpie goose is an unusual waterbird with a distinctive black-and-white body and bare yellow legs. Native to tropical floodplains, it feeds primarily on aquatic plants and seeds.

Unlike true geese, it has partially webbed feet and a unique evolutionary lineage.

Conservation

The species is classified as Least Concern, although wetland alteration in northern Australia can affect local populations.