Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Greater White-fronted Goose is characterized by its grayish-brown body, pink bill, and orange legs. Its most distinctive feature is the white patch surrounding the base of the bill, which gives the species its name.
Adults have black barring on their belly, while juveniles lack this marking. Both sexes look similar, with no significant seasonal plumage changes.
Size
Length
64cm to 81cm
Wingspan
130cm to 165cm
Weight
1.8kg to 3.3kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Pink
Leg Colour
Orange
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Greater White-fronted Geese breed in the Arctic tundra of North America and Siberia. During migration, they can be found in wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas across North America and Eurasia.
In winter, they congregate in large numbers in temperate regions. Significant wintering populations can be found in North America, in California's Central Valley, the Gulf Coast, and Mexico.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,500 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Greater White-fronted 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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird 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
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Greater White-fronted Goose demonstrates considerable agility, particularly during flight. Their ability to fly at speeds up to 50 miles per hour during migration and navigate long distances suggests good manoeuvrability. However, as a large waterfowl, they're not as agile as smaller, more nimble bird species.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
These geese possess robust strength, evident in their ability to undertake long-distance migrations and their substantial size (weighing up to 3300g). Their strength allows them to graze effectively and defend themselves, but they're not among the strongest bird species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Greater White-fronted Geese show high adaptability. They thrive in various habitats from Arctic tundra to temperate farmlands, adjust their diet seasonally, and cope with different elevations (sea level to 2,500 metres). Their ability to utilise agricultural fields for foraging demonstrates good adaptability to human-modified landscapes.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not typically aggressive, these geese can display protective behaviour, especially during breeding season. Their social nature and tendency to form large flocks suggest a moderate level of assertiveness rather than high aggression. They're known more for their vigilance than outright aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Greater White-fronted Goose exhibits exceptional endurance. Their long-distance migratory behaviour, flying between Arctic breeding grounds and temperate wintering areas, demonstrates remarkable stamina. Additionally, their ability to survive in harsh Arctic conditions and live up to 25 years in the wild further supports their high endurance rating.
Diet
Greater White-fronted Geese are primarily herbivores. They feed on grasses, sedges, berries, and other aquatic plants in their breeding grounds.
During migration and winter, they often forage in agricultural fields, consuming leftover grains, seeds, and crops like wheat, rice, and corn.
Behaviour
Greater White-fronted Geese are highly social, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They have a distinctive feeding behavior, grazing on land in tight groups and taking turns watching for predators. These geese are known for their loud, high-pitched calls, often heard during flight.
Vocalisation
Greater White-fronted Geese are very vocal when flocking, producing a musical laugh-like honking call. Their distinctive call is often described as a high-pitched, laughing 'kow-kow-kow' or 'klook-klook'.
During flight, they produce a series of yelping sounds that can be heard from a considerable distance, helping to maintain flock cohesion.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding pairs form during spring migration or upon arrival at breeding grounds. The breeding season typically begins in late May or early June, coinciding with the Arctic summer.
Nests are built on the ground, often near water, and are lined with down. Females lay 3-6 eggs, which are creamy white in color.
Incubation lasts about 28 days, primarily done by the female while the male stands guard. Goslings fledge after 40-45 days but stay with their parents through the first winter.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, the Greater White-fronted Goose faces threats from habitat loss, particularly in its breeding grounds due to climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wetland habitats and managing hunting to ensure sustainable populations.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
5,000,000 - 5,999,999 mature individuals [2]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large flocks in agricultural fields during migration seasons
- Listen for their distinctive high-pitched, laughing calls
- Observe their unique white forehead patch and black belly barring to distinguish them from other geese
- In North America, check wetlands and farmlands in the Central Valley of California during winter
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include Arctic foxes, wolves, and large raptors such as Golden Eagles and Snowy Owls. Eggs and goslings are also vulnerable to gulls and jaegers.
Did You Know?
- The 'specklebelly' nickname comes from the black barring on their underparts.
- They can fly at speeds up to 50 miles per hour during migration.
- Some individuals have been known to live over 25 years in the wild.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2022. Anser albifrons. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T22679881A213839615.
View source - 2
report, 2022: Wetlands International
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