Scientific name: Plectropterus gambensis
They are the largest African waterfowl and are, on average, the world's largest wild "goose", although in average weight, their size is at least rivaled by the Cape Barren goose. They are mainly black, with a white face and large white wing patches. The long legs are flesh-coloured. The male differs from the female, not only in size, but also in having a larger red facial patch extending back from the red bill, and a knob at the base of the upper mandible.
Widespread in southern Africa but absent to sporadic in semi-arid and arid regions. Can be found on virtually any internal water body and also encountered in grassland, karoo and on crop fields.
Eats mainly plant matter, either from in and around water bodies or on dry land (seedlings and grain from crop lands are a favourite, which make them unpopular with farmers) . However, they do eat insects (e.g. termite alates) and young are known to catch and eat small fish.
