Spur-winged goose

Scientific name: Plectropterus gambensis

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Large, dark goose with glossy black-green upperparts and white underparts from breast to belly. Males notably larger and more robust than females, with pronounced knob on bill and sharp wing spurs; both sexes show white facial patches and red bill.

Size and weight

Males 3.5–4.2 kg, body length 75–100 cm; females 2.8–3.4 kg, length 70–90 cm.

Habitat

Frequents freshwater wetlands, floodplain grasslands, and open water bodies from lowlands to moderate elevations. Prefers extensive reed beds, papyrus swamps, and adjacent grassland mosaics with minimal human disturbance.

Distribution

Sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to South Africa, with preference for permanent and semi-permanent wetlands. Highly mobile, concentrating in regions with adequate water and grass availability year-round.

Diet

Grazes grass and sedge shoots, especially in early morning and late afternoon; supplements with aquatic vegetation, seeds, and cultivated grains on seasonal pastures.

Behaviour

Primarily crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk when moving between roost sites and feeding grounds. Pairs or small flocks; highly vocal with loud, trumpeting calls; strong fliers capable of traveling long distances between water bodies.

Hunting tips

Look for flight corridors along waterways and approach grazing flocks during low-light hours when birds are less wary. Read direction of movement using track patterns and droppings on muddy margins; position downwind and use terrain folds and reed cover for final stalk. Early morning and late afternoon departures from roosts offer best opportunity for interception along known flight lines.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 12 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.