description Ashy-headed Goose Overview
The ashy-headed goose, Chloephaga poliocephala, is a South American sheldgoose associated with southern Chile and Argentina. It breeds around forest clearings, wet meadows, marshes, and lakes in Patagonia, with some populations moving north outside the breeding season. Adults are identified by a pale gray head and neck, chestnut breast, barred flanks, and contrasting wings, while pairs and family groups typically forage by grazing on vegetation.
help Ashy-headed Goose FAQ
How can I identify an Ashy-headed Goose?
Adults have a gray head and neck, chestnut breast, white belly, black flank barring, black bill, and yellowish legs. Argentina's national parks database gives a length of about 45 centimeters. [Argentina biodiversity database](https://sib.gob.ar/especies/chloephaga-poliocephala)
Where does the Ashy-headed Goose live?
It occurs in southern Chile and Argentina, especially around Patagonian rivers, lakes, marshes, wet meadows, and forest clearings. Records extend to roughly 1,800 meters in elevation. [Argentina biodiversity database](https://sib.gob.ar/especies/chloephaga-poliocephala)
Does the Ashy-headed Goose migrate?
It is mainly a summer resident of Patagonia, although some individuals remain through winter. Some birds move north toward Buenos Aires Province outside the breeding season. [Argentina biodiversity database](https://sib.gob.ar/especies/chloephaga-poliocephala)
What does the Ashy-headed Goose eat, and where does it nest?
It grazes on herbaceous vegetation in natural and managed grasslands. Nests are usually placed in grass near water, although the species has occasionally nested in trees, and stable pairs defend their territory. [Argentina biodiversity database](https://sib.gob.ar/especies/chloephaga-poliocephala)
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