Barnacle Goose
Least ConcernBranta leucopsis
Visual Identification
Barnacle Goose
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Lifespan
The Barnacle Goose typically lives for 14 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 28.2 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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:
AnatidaePredators
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.
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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
- 2 4
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Branta leucopsis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22679943A131909954.
View source - 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source