Pochard goose (SciiFii)

The pochard goose (Branta ruber), also known as the American red-breasted goose, is a species of goose that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, lakes, rivers, and ponds across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the pochard goose is the similarly-looking Asian red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis). The pochard goose is a medium-sized goose, growing on average of around 53–56 centimeters (21–22 inches) in length. This brightly marked species is unmistakable, but can be surprisingly difficult to find amongst brant geese. At long distances, the red of the breast tends to look dark. The calls of the pochard goose consists of ki-kui or ki-yik, shrill and staccato. The pochard goose often nests close to nests of birds of prey, such as snowy owls, peregrine falcons and red-tailed hawks, which helps to protect the eggs and hatchings of this goose from mammalian predators such as the red fox and the coyote. The closer the goose's nest to the eyrie (bird of prey nest), the safer it is from predation. Based on the geese's size, they rely on the bird of prey for defense. It is extremely unusual for the bird of prey to attack, but is still possible. Additionally, the larger the colony the safer it is. This in turn positively influences the survival and reproductive success of the pochard goose. Aside from nesting close to birds of prey, pochard geese nest on islands on rivers which also protects them from land-based predators. However, the pochard goose will prefer to nest near birds of prey over the choice of a river island. In contrast to the birds of prey that offer the pochard goose protection from predators, which choose to place their nests in the open cliff side, this goose will create a cryptic nest hidden much better than the birds of prey nests. A typical pochard goose colony is around 4-9 pairs depending on nest location, food abundance, and bird of prey density. While incubating, the pochard goose stays within a 1.5 km (0.9 mi) range of its nest. Male pochard geese tend to guard the nest of their young from a distance while the females generally hide on the nest. The main predator for pochard geese eggs and goslings includes gulls which have access to nests located on river islands. While wintering, the pochard goose feeds on grasses, leaves and seeds. Since owl and hawk populations fluctuate every few years, depending on rodent and rabbit abundance, the only consistent protection from predators during nesting seasons are river islands and the peregrine falcon. The conservation status of the pochard goose is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the pochard goose's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.