It is a distinctive large, grey bird that is mostly terrestrial and is not closely related to other extant members of the subfamily Anserinae.

The head is somewhat small in proportion to the body and mostly grey in colour, save for a pale whitish patch on the forehead and crown.

The cere turns a light yellow-green colour at around 70 days old, with juveniles molting into adult plumage at around 6 months old.

Their diet may include plants such as Poa poiformis, Disphyma australe, Myoporum insulare, and species of Trifolium and Juncus.

After mating, the pair will perform a ‘triumph ceremony’ in which they raise and lower their heads while facing each other and calling loudly.

The nest is a shallow hollow lined with vegetation and down, usually constructed amongst tussock grass, rocks, or bushes.

[5] Cape Barren geese are capable of drinking salt and brackish water, which allows them to remain on offshore islands year-round.

[12] A previous decline in numbers appears to have been reversed as birds in the east at least have adapted to feeding on agricultural land.