cape barren goose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical, Formal, Ornithological
Quick answer
What does “cape barren goose” mean?
A medium-sized, grey, ground-nesting goose native to southern Australia, particularly associated with the islands of Bass Strait. Scientifically known as Cereopsis novaehollandiae.
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-sized, grey, ground-nesting goose native to southern Australia, particularly associated with the islands of Bass Strait. Scientifically known as Cereopsis novaehollandiae.
A specific species of waterfowl known for its distinctive pale grey plumage, black feet, and a stubby, greenish-yellow cere (the area between the bill and forehead). It is a notable example of island adaptation and conservation management in Australia.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in usage; the term is identical in both dialects. It is an Australian English term adopted internationally by ornithologists.
Connotations
Connotes Australian wildlife, ornithology, and conservation. It carries no specific cultural connotations in either the UK or US beyond its scientific/geographic reference.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both regions. Frequency is limited to zoological, avian, or Australian wildlife contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cape barren goose” in a Sentence
The Cape Barren goose [verb: nests, feeds, migrates] on [location].[Location] is home to the Cape Barren goose.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in biological, zoological, and ecological papers discussing Australian avifauna, island biogeography, or conservation strategies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of Australia or birdwatching communities.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology, wildlife management, and field guides for identifying Australasian bird species.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cape barren goose”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cape barren goose”
- Writing it in lower case ('cape barren goose').
- Omitting 'Cape' or 'Barren'.
- Confusing it with the more common 'Canada goose'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a true goose (tribe Anserini), but it is considered an ancient, distinct lineage within the group, sometimes placed in its own subfamily.
It is named after Cape Barren Island in the Furneaux Group of Bass Strait, Tasmania, which is one of its key breeding locations.
It was once considered vulnerable but, due to successful conservation, its status was downgraded to 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, though it remains protected.
It is a protected species in Australia, so hunting it for food is illegal. Historically, early settlers and sealers did hunt them.
A medium-sized, grey, ground-nesting goose native to southern Australia, particularly associated with the islands of Bass Strait. Scientifically known as Cereopsis novaehollandiae.
Cape barren goose is usually technical, formal, ornithological in register.
Cape barren goose: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪp ˌbærən ˈɡuːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪp ˌbærən ˈɡuːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CAPE as a piece of land projecting into the sea, like Cape Barren Island. A BARREN place where a rare grey GOOSE lives.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary habitat of the Cape Barren goose?