Black-masked goose (SciiFii)

The black-masked goose (Branta nigeropersonatus) is a species of goose that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, lakes, rivers, and ponds across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the black-masked goose is the Canada goose (Branta canadensis) and the similarly-looking Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis). The black-masked goose a medium-sized goose at 41 centimeters (16 inches) tall. Females have a mass of 1.525–2.56 kg (3.36–5.64 lb), while males average 1.695–3.05 kg (3.74–6.72 lb), 11% larger than females. Adult males have a black head and hindneck, buff cheeks and heavily furrowed neck. The neck has black and white diagonal stripes. Aside from being smaller, the female black-masked goose is similar to the male in colouration. The adult's bill, legs and feet are black. It has soft feathers under its chin. Goslings resemble adults, but are a duller brown and with less demarcation between the colors of the head and neck, and striping and barring effects are much reduced. The black-masked goose is a herbivore that will either graze or browse, depending on the availability of vegetation. Food items include the grasses, leaves, seeds, fruit, and flowers of grasses and shrubs. The breeding season of the black-masked goose, from March to April; most eggs are laid between May and June. Nests are built by females on a site of her choosing, in which five to nine eggs are laid. Females incubate the eggs for 29 to 32 days, while the male acts as a sentry. Goslings are precocial, able to feed on their own; they remain with their parents until the following breeding season. The conservation status of the black-masked goose is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the black-masked goose's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii