Anser cygnoides
The Swan Goose is the largest goose. It has a natural breeding range in Mongolia, northernmost China, and southeastern Russia. It is migratory and winters mainly in central and eastern China. It is listed as endangered in the wild, but the species has been domesticated, and extensively kept as poultry. A domestic Swan Goose usually has a large knob at the base of the bill (the wild form lacks this). It is notable for its long, swanlike beak and neck. The Swan Goose feeds almost exclusively on plants, including sedges. It often grazes on dry land. Farmers sometimes make use of the domesticated form of the bird for weeding their crops. They’ve also been raised for their eggs.
The above picture was taken in July 2006.
Genus Anser
Tribe Anserini
Subfamily Anserinae
Family Anatidae
Order Anseriformes
Class Aves
Subphylum Vertebrata
Phylum Chordata
Kingdom Animalia
Life on Earth
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