American sheldgoose (SciiFii)

The American sheldgoose (Alopochen californianus) is a waterfowl of the family Anatidae, part of the subfamily Tadorninae, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, lakes, rivers, and ponds across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American sheldgoose swims well and in flight looks heavy, more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name. The American sheldgoose is usually about 63–73 centimeters (25–29 inches) long on average. The sexes of this species are identical in plumage but the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage tone, with some birds greyer and others browner, but this is not sex- or age-related. A large part of the wings of mature birds is white, but in repose the white is hidden by the wing coverts. When it is aroused, either in alarm or aggression, the white begins to show. In flight or when the wings are fully spread in aggression, the white is conspicuous. The voices and vocalisations of the sexes differ, the male having a hoarse, subdued duck-like quack which seldom sounds unless it is aroused. The male American sheldgoose attracts its mate with an elaborate, noisy courtship display that includes honking, neck stretching and feather displays. The female has a far noisier raucous quack that frequently sounds in aggression and almost incessantly at the slightest disturbance when tending her young. This is a largely terrestrial species, which will also perch readily on trees and buildings. American sheldgeese typically eat seeds, leaves, grasses and plant stems. Occasionally, they will eat locusts, worms, or other small animals. Until the goslings are a few weeks old and strong enough to graze, they feed largely on small aquatic invertebrates, especially freshwater plankton. Both sexes are aggressively territorial towards their own species when breeding and frequently pursue intruders into the air, attacking them in aerial "dogfights". American sheldgeese have been observed attacking aerial objects such as drones that enter their habitat as well. Neighbouring pairs may even kill another's offspring for their own offsprings' survival, as well as for more resources. This species will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. The female builds the nest from reeds, leaves and grass and both parents take turns incubating the eggs. Egyptian geese usually pair for life. Both the male and female care for the offspring until they are old enough to care for themselves. Such parental care, however, does not include foraging for the young, who, being precocial, forage for themselves. The conservation status of the American sheldgoose is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American sheldgoose's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.