a nest of grass lined with down, on the mainland near somewhat inland freshwater lakes and on the Falklands close to the shore. Nests are sited in vegetation or beside a boulder or driftwood. The clutch size is three to seven eggs. Males guard females during the incubation period of about 30 days. Young leave the nest shortly after the last egg hatches and fledging occurs 12 to 13 weeks after hatch. Both parents care for the young into winter. Vocalization Male and female kelp geese have different vocalizations: Males make a "whistled 'si-si-si'" and females "low honking 'arnk-arnk', 'ooer' or 'ooeroo' calls". Very young chicks make "a double-noted 'cheep'." Status The IUCN has assessed the kelp goose as being of Least Concern. It has a large range, and though its population size is unknown it is believed to be stable. No immediate threats have been identified. It "does not compete with human interests due to inaccessibility and [the] types of habitats preferred" but "[c]ould be at risk from spillage of oil or other toxic substances on rocky coasts." Gallery References External links Stamps Geese Chloephaga Birds described in 1782 Birds of Chile Birds of the Falkland Islands Birds of Tierra del Fuego