Swan Goose

The Swan Goose is a large East Asian goose measuring 81–94 centimetres, with a 160–185-centimetre wingspan and an average weight near 3.15 kilograms. Its head and neck are strongly two-toned, the bill is stocky and black, and the feet are orange. Adults show dark-brown wings and back, with the breast becoming darker toward the belly, while the rear underparts are white and the tail dark. Males and females look much alike, although males average slightly larger. (Animal Diversity Web account)

Wild Swan Geese spend summer around the Mongol Daguur steppe and migrate south toward the Yangtze River basin, using lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, estuaries, and adjacent grasslands. They graze on grasses and also take roots, seeds, and aquatic plants. Courtship includes shaking, preening, and head-bobbing, and pairs are generally monogamous through the breeding season. Egg laying begins in late April or early May. A female averages five to six eggs, incubation lasts 28–34 days, and young usually fledge at about eight weeks. (Animal Diversity Web account)