The blue-winged goose (Cyanochen cyanoptera ) is a waterfowl species which is endemic to Ethiopia. It is the only member of the genus Cyanochen.
This is a stocky grey-brown bird about 70 centimetres (28 in) long with a slightly paler head and upper neck. It has a small black bill and black legs. A chunky mid-sized goose. Standing bird looks fairly dull, gray and dirty white, sometimes showing blue along the edge of the wing. In flight, this species shows a pale blue forewing. Sexes are similar, but immature birds are duller. The plumage of these birds is thick and loose, furlike as an adaptation to the cold of the Ethiopian highlands.
It feeds by grazing, and is apparently largely nocturnal, loafing during the day. It can swim and fly well, but this terrestrial bird is reluctant to do either, and is quite approachable. It forms flocks outside the breeding season.
It breeds by mountain lakes and streams. This little-known species is believed to build a lined nest amongst grass tussocks, and to lay 6–7 eggs.
It is threatened by habitat loss, trapping for food and possibly drought. Formerly classified as a Near Threatened species on the IUCN Red List, new research has shown it to be rarer than it was believed. Consequently, it is uplisted to Vulnerable status in 2008.
