Red-breasted Goose
Branta ruficollis
Visual Identification
Appearance
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.
Size
Length
53cm to 56cm
Wingspan
116cm to 135cm
Weight
1000g to 1.5kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black Red White
Secondary Colour
Brown
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
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.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 100 meters
Climate zones
Arctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
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:
- 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 Red-breasted Goose demonstrates impressive agility, capable of swift directional changes during flight and achieving speeds up to 60 mph during migration. Their ability to navigate and land precisely in varied terrains, from Arctic tundra to wetlands, showcases their remarkable manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not amongst the largest waterfowl, these geese possess moderate strength suitable for their size (1-1.5kg). They're capable of long-distance migration and can effectively defend their territory, though they're not as powerful as larger goose species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable birds that thrive across diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to agricultural fields. Their clever strategy of nesting near birds of prey for protection and ability to shift between various food sources demonstrates remarkable adaptability. They successfully navigate both extreme Arctic conditions and temperate winters.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Though not typically aggressive, Red-breasted Geese show moderate territorial behaviour during breeding season and will defend their nests and young. Their tendency to nest near predatory birds rather than directly confronting threats suggests they prefer avoidance to aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Exceptional endurance is evidenced by their long-distance migrations between Siberian breeding grounds and Black Sea wintering areas. Their ability to survive harsh Arctic conditions and maintain flight across vast distances whilst navigating challenging weather conditions demonstrates remarkable stamina.
Diet
Red-breasted Geese primarily feed on grasses, sedges, and other vegetation. During the breeding season, they consume Arctic plants like cotton grass.
In winter, they often graze on agricultural fields, particularly winter wheat and other cereal crops.
Behaviour
Red-breasted Geese are highly social, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They exhibit strong pair bonds and family groups.
These geese are primarily grazers, feeding on short grass and sedges in tundra and agricultural fields.
Vocalisation
The Red-breasted Goose has a distinctive, high-pitched call often described as a rapid 'kik-kik' or 'ki-kui'.
During flight, they produce a chorus of yelping sounds, creating a cacophony that's particularly noticeable when large flocks are on the move.
Nesting & Breeding
Red-breasted Geese form monogamous pairs, often reuniting in successive breeding seasons. They typically breed from late May to early July in the Arctic tundra.
Nests are built on cliff ledges or elevated areas near water, often close to Peregrine Falcon or Rough-legged Buzzard nests for added protection. The female lays 3-7 cream-coloured eggs with a greenish tinge in a shallow depression lined with down.
Incubation lasts about 25 days, performed solely by the female while the male stands guard. Goslings fledge after approximately 35-40 days.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Red-breasted Goose faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key breeding and wintering sites, as well as working with local communities to reduce hunting pressure and promote sustainable land use practices.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in coastal areas and wetlands during winter in the UK
- Observe large flocks of geese for their distinctive red and black colouration
- Listen for their high-pitched, yelping calls
- Visit nature reserves in eastern England, where they occasionally appear
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include Arctic foxes, Snowy Owls, and Peregrine Falcons, particularly targeting eggs and young.
Did You Know?
- Red-breasted Geese often nest near birds of prey for protection from predators.
- They can fly at speeds of up to 60 mph during migration.
- Ancient Egyptians considered the Red-breasted Goose sacred and often depicted it in their artwork.
- The longest migration flight recorded for a Red-breasted Goose was 1,822 km during spring migration.
References
- 4
website, 2013: Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds
View source - 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Branta ruficollis (amended version of 2017 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22679954A118577901.
View source - 2
report, 2015: Wetlands International
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