Orinoco Goose  (Neochen jubata)

• The only true forest goose
• Rarely swim and readily perches in trees
• Nests in tree hollows along tropical lowland river banks 

                                                                 Orinoco Goose

                                                                Neochen jubata

Habitat: The Orinoco Goose is a resident of the South American topics east of the Andes and south to northern Argentina, they are partial to dense, lowland, jungle-lined rivers, streams and other wetlands in open grasslands with scattered trees, particularly the llanos. 

Personality: These birds are very comfortable ashore, they run in a distinct manner, and frequently perch in trees.  Pairs become very unsociable and increasingly aggressive at the onset of the breeding season (January in Colombia and Venezuela). 

Miscellaneous: These geese used to be quite numerous but are rather scarce except in remote or protected regions.  They are approaching extinction in Peru and have already vanished in parts of Colombia.  Orinoco geese are not common in collections because they are susceptible to heart attacks.