Barnacle Goose Bird Facts (Branta leucopsis)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Barnacle Goose is a striking bird with a predominantly white face and black neck, breast, and upper back. Its wings and back are silvery grey with black and white bars, creating a distinctive pattern. The belly is white, contrasting sharply with the black chest.

Both sexes look alike, with males being slightly larger. Juveniles have duller plumage with greyish tones on the head and neck, gradually acquiring adult colouration over their first winter.

Size

Length

58cm to 70cm

Wingspan

132cm to 145cm

Weight

1.3kg to 2.27kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Grey

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Barnacle Goose is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Barnacle Goose is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Barnacle Goose can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Barnacle Goose can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Barnacle Goose is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Barnacle Goose is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Barnacle Goose can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Barnacle Goose is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Barnacle Goose can be found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Barnacle Goose is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Barnacle Goose is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Barnacle Goose is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Barnacle Geese breed in the high Arctic regions of Greenland, Svalbard, and Novaya Zemlya. They prefer coastal tundra and rocky islands for nesting, often close to cliffs that provide protection from predators.

During winter, they migrate to coastal areas of northwestern Europe, including significant populations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. They favour coastal grasslands, salt marshes, and agricultural fields in these wintering grounds.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 100 meters

Climate zones

Subarctic, Temperate

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Barnacle Goose. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Belgium Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Iceland Latvia Netherlands Norway Russia Sweden The United Kingdom

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Faroe Islands Greenland Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Ireland Poland

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Algeria Austria Belarus Bulgaria Canada Czechia Egypt Hungary Italy Montenegro Morocco Portugal Romania Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Switzerland Tunisia Turkey United States of America

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Barnacle Goose demonstrates considerable agility, particularly in flight. Their ability to navigate long-distance migrations and manoeuvre in flocks showcases their aerial prowess. On land, they have a distinctive waddling gait, which slightly reduces their overall agility rating.

Strength 65

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As medium-sized waterfowl, Barnacle Geese possess moderate strength. Their ability to undertake long-distance migrations and withstand harsh Arctic conditions indicates a robust physique. However, they are not exceptionally powerful compared to larger bird species.

Adaptability 85

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Barnacle Geese exhibit remarkable adaptability. They thrive in diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to temperate grasslands and have adapted to utilise agricultural lands. Their ability to navigate changing climates and environments during migration further demonstrates their adaptability.

Aggressiveness 60

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While generally social and non-aggressive, Barnacle Geese become territorial and fiercely protective during the breeding season. They defend their nesting sites vigorously, but outside this period, they are relatively peaceful, preferring to flock with their own kind.

Endurance 90

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The endurance of Barnacle Geese is impressive. Their long-distance migrations, flying at altitudes up to 2,400 metres, coupled with their ability to survive in harsh Arctic breeding grounds and variable wintering conditions, showcase exceptional stamina and resilience.

Diet

Barnacle Geese are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of grasses, sedges, and herbs. In their wintering grounds, they often graze on agricultural crops and salt marsh vegetation. During the breeding season, they may supplement their diet with berries and Arctic plants.

They eat a lot - sometimes over 150 grams per day (dry weight), and defecate 160 times each day on average.

Behaviour

Barnacle Geese are highly social, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They have a distinctive waddling gait on land but are graceful swimmers.

During the breeding season, pairs become territorial and fiercely protective of their nesting sites, often returning to the same location year after year.

Vocalisation

The Barnacle Goose has a distinctive, high-pitched barking call, often described as 'kaw-kaw' or 'gnk-gnk'. These vocalisations are frequently heard during flight and when flocks are grazing. During the breeding season, pairs use softer, more varied calls to communicate.

Nesting & Breeding

Barnacle Geese form monogamous pairs that often last for life. Breeding begins in late May to early June, coinciding with the brief Arctic summer. Pairs typically return to the same nesting sites each year.

Nests are built on cliff ledges or rocky outcrops, lined with down and plant material. The female lays 4-6 creamy white eggs with light brown mottling, which she incubates for about 24-25 days.

Both parents guard the nest and care for the goslings. The young fledge after about 40-45 days, just in time for the autumn migration south.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While currently listed as Least Concern, Barnacle Geese face threats from habitat loss due to climate change in their Arctic breeding grounds.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wintering sites and managing agricultural conflicts in their wintering range.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

880,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for large flocks in coastal grasslands and salt marshes during winter.
Listen for their distinctive barking call, which sounds like a high-pitched 'kaw-kaw'.
Observe their feeding behaviour in short grass fields, where they graze in tight groups.
In the UK, popular viewing spots include the Solway Firth and the Isle of Islay.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Barnacle

Family:

Anatidae

Average Lifespan

14 years

Max Lifespan

28.2 years ^[4]

Predators

Arctic foxes and polar bears are primary predators of eggs and goslings, while Glaucous Gulls and Arctic Skuas may also prey on young birds.

Did You Know?

Barnacle Geese got their name from an old myth that they hatched from barnacles attached to driftwood.
They can fly at altitudes of up to 2,400 meters during migration.
Barnacle Geese have specially adapted digestive systems to process their high-fibre diet efficiently.

FAQs

Why do Barnacle Geese jump off cliffs?

Barnacle Geese nest on cliffs to protect their eggs from land predators like Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. However, this extreme security measure comes with its own set of risks. The goslings are precocial and must feed themselves, necessitating a leap from the cliff to the rocky ground or water below. Many do not survive this first step toward adulthood.

How many Barnacle Geese are there in the UK?

Barnacle Goose numbers in the United Kingdom vary throughout the year from about 4,400 in the summer to over 90,000 in the winter.

References

1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Branta leucopsis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22679943A131909954.
View source
2
report, 2015: Wetlands International
4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source