Spur-winged Goose

Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis) are the largest species of waterfowl found in Africa. While assigned in the family Anatidae, this waterfowl species has enough distinct anatomical features that are not found in other geese and shelducks that they are considered their own subfamily, called Plectropterinae. Males have a large and long red bill that matches the featherless skin that extends above and below their eyes. Then they have a patch of white plumage, followed by a long, black neck. Wing plumage is black with iridescent greens, yellows, chestnut, and sometimes purple. Breast and underbelly are typically white. When seen in flight, the underside of the primaries and secondaries are black, with the rest of the wing being bright white. Females can have a similar featherless head/cheek area, and have copper plumage on the rest of their head, neck, and breasts. The most important and interesting feature of the Spur-winged Goose is its namesake, the spur on the bend of their wings. These spurs can be used for territorial disputes, especially during the breeding season when they are at their most aggressive.

SPUR-WINGED GOOSE. The meanest ugliest SOB’ing goose on earth is also the largest. They’re among the baker’s dozen waterfowl species we shoot in South Africa, where we also hunt African pygmy goose, the worlds smallest goose!