Ruddy-headed goose  (Chloephaga rubidiceps)

The ruddy-headed goose is generally seen in flocks, often mixing with the upland goose (Chloephaga picta) and the ashy-headed goose (Chloephaga poliocephala) (5). Almost entirely vegetarian, the ruddy-headed goose feeds on roots, leaves, stems, and the seed-heads of grasses and sedges (8). These geese rarely swim, preferring instead to forage in natural grasslands, pastures and agricultural lands (5), where it often digs out food with its bill. While the Falkland Islands population is virtually sedentary, the mainland population moves north in winter, from Tierra del Fuego to the grasslands, pastures and croplands of southern Buenos Aires province (6) (9).

The ruddy-headed goose breeds in September and October. Nests lined with down are constructed among vegetation or boulders. Five to eight eggs are laid into this nest and are incubated for around 30 days (8).