Branta ruficollis
The Red-breasted Goose is a striking bird with a distinctive black head, neck, and back contrasting sharply with its bright chestnut-red breast, foreneck and head-sides. White patches on the face and a white stripe along the flanks add to its unique appearance.
Both sexes look similar, although the forehead of the male rises more vertically from the top of the bill than the female. Juveniles have duller colouration, with less barring on the flanks. The plumage remains consistent throughout the year, with no significant seasonal changes.
Length
53cm to 56cm
Wingspan
116cm to 135cm
Weight
1000g to 1.5kg
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black Red White
Secondary Colour
Brown
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Red-breasted Geese breed from June in the Arctic tundra of Siberia, particularly on the Taymyr, Gydan, and Yamal peninsulas. Their wintering grounds are primarily along the western shores of the Black Sea in Bulgaria and Romania.
During migration, they can be spotted in eastern Europe and occasionally in the UK, particularly in coastal areas and wetlands, although they are very rare.
Sea level to 100 meters
Arctic, Temperate
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red-breasted Goose. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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