About Chloephaga hybrida (Molina, 1782)
This species, the kelp goose (Chloephaga hybrida (Molina, 1782)), measures 55 to 65 cm (22 to 26 in) in total length. Males of the nominate subspecies weigh 2.54 to 2.58 kg (5.6 to 5.7 lb), while females of this subspecies weigh 2.00 to 2.02 kg (4.4 to 4.5 lb). The subspecies C. h. malvinarum is larger in mass: males of this subspecies weigh 3.25 to 3.60 kg (7.2 to 7.9 lb), and females weigh 2.05 to 2.80 kg (4.5 to 6.2 lb). The two subspecies have no differences in plumage, but male and female kelp geese have entirely distinct plumage. Adult males are completely white, apart from a black bill that has a pink spot on the maxilla, and yellow legs and feet. Adult females have a pale brown crown, with chocolate brown coloring on their head, neck, and mantle. Their breast and flanks bear black and white bars, while their back, tail, and undertail coverts are white. Adult females have a pink bill, and yellow legs and feet. Juvenile males look similar to adult females, but have brown "shoulders" and greenish-yellow legs and feet. Juvenile females have a dark crown and dark uppertail coverts. The nominate subspecies of kelp goose occurs along the coast of southern Chile and Argentina, including the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. C. h. malvinarum is found exclusively on the Falkland Islands. When not nesting, kelp geese live on rocky coasts or shingle beaches that have offshore kelp beds. They nest at coastal freshwater lakes.
