Taiga Bean Goose
Least ConcernAnser fabalis
Visual Identification
Taiga Bean Goose
Appearance
The Taiga Bean Goose is a large, robust waterfowl with predominantly brown plumage. Its body is marked by darker upperparts and lighter underparts, with a distinctive orange and black bill that varies in pattern among individuals. Legs and feet are also orange.
Both sexes are alike in appearance, with females being slightly smaller than males. Adults and juveniles share similar colouration, with slight variations in bill pattern. Seasonal plumage changes are minimal, primarily involving wear and fading rather than distinct moults.
Size
Length
68cm to 88cm
Wingspan
140cm to 174cm
Weight
2kg to 4.1kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Black Orange
Leg Colour
Orange
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Taiga Bean Geese breed in the boreal forests and tundra of northern Eurasia, from Scandinavia to eastern Siberia. They prefer areas with a mix of wetlands and forested or shrubby terrain for nesting.
During winter, they migrate to temperate regions, including parts of Europe and East Asia. In the UK, they are winter visitors, primarily found in eastern coastal areas and some inland wetlands. Yare Valley in Norfolk and the Avon Valley in Falkirk, south-central Scotland, are two well-established sites.
They are exceptionally rare vagrant visitors to North America, with occasional sightings reported in Canada and the US but no regular established breeding or wintering sites.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
As their names suggest, Taiga Bean Geese follow a diet in which beans feature heavily. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials. Their diet includes grasses, sedges, and aquatic plants in natural habitats.
Grasses, cereal crops, potatoes, and other agricultural crops are among the main foods eaten. During migration and winter, they often forage in agricultural fields, consuming crops such as grains and potatoes.
Behaviour
Taiga Bean Geese are highly gregarious, often forming large flocks during migration and winter. They exhibit a distinctive 'V' formation when flying long distances.
On the ground, they are vigilant grazers, taking turns to keep watch while feeding in groups.
Vocalisation
Taiga Bean Geese produce a variety of vocalisations, with their most characteristic call being a loud, nasal honking sound. This call is often described as 'ang-ang' or 'aang-aang', typically given in flight or when alarmed. Flocks create a cacophony of honks during migration.
Nesting & Breeding
Taiga Bean Geese form monogamous pairs, often maintaining these bonds over multiple breeding seasons. They typically breed from late May to early July, coinciding with the short Arctic summer.
Nests are built on the ground, usually near water and concealed by vegetation. The female constructs a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. Clutch size ranges from 3 to 6 eggs, which are creamy white in colour.
Incubation lasts about 28 days, performed solely by the female while the male stands guard nearby. Goslings are precocial and can leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching, fledging after approximately 40-45 days.
Lifespan
The Taiga Bean Goose typically lives for 7 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 25.6 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 globally, some populations of Taiga Bean Geese face localised threats.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wetland habitats and managing hunting pressures, particularly in Europe, where some populations are declining.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large flocks in wetlands and agricultural fields during migration seasons
- Observe the distinctive orange and black bill pattern to distinguish it from other goose species
- Listen for their characteristic honking calls, especially in flight
- In the UK, focus on eastern coastal areas during the winter months
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Bean Goose
Family:
AnatidaePredators
Main predators include Arctic foxes, large gulls, and birds of prey such as eagles and falcons, particularly targeting eggs and young.
Did You Know?
- Taiga Bean Geese can fly at speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph) during migration.
- They have excellent memory, returning to the same breeding and wintering sites year after year.
- Some individuals have been recorded living beyond 20 years in the wild.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Anser fabalis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22679875A132302864.
View source - 3 4
report, 2015: BirdLife International; Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source