Spur-Winged Goose

The spur-winged goose, one of the fastest animals in the world, is a large bird in the Anatidae family, similar to geese and shelducks but unique from both in a number of anatomical traits; therefore, it is classified as a separate subfamily, the Plectropterinae. It can be found in wetlands all over Sub-Saharan Africa.

The spur-winged goose male is larger than the female and has a larger red face patch that extends back from the red bill, as well as a knob at the base of the upper mandible. In general, this is a calm species. When taking flight or disturbed, only males give a call, which consists of a faint bubbling cheewit. Both sexes may make other inconspicuous cries during breeding displays or in times of panic.

Because of its diet of blister beetles, this bird is frequently poisonous. The toxin, cantharidin, is stored in the fowl's tissue, causing poisoning in humans who consume the cooked geese. A human being can be killed by 10 mg of cantharidin.

Speed: 88mph