Anser serrirostris
Tundra Bean Goose
The Tundra 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 band on its otherwise black bill. They have orange legs and feet, and the eyes are dark brown.
Adults and juveniles share similar colouration, though young birds may appear slightly duller. During winter, their plumage becomes slightly paler, but overall seasonal changes are minimal.
Length
66cm to 84cm
Wingspan
140cm to 174cm
Weight
1.9kg to 3.3kg
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Black Orange
Leg Colour
Orange
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Tundra Bean Geese breed in the Arctic tundra of northern Eurasia, from Scandinavia to eastern Siberia. During winter, they migrate south to temperate regions, including parts of Europe and East Asia.
In the UK, they are winter visitors, primarily found in eastern England, with notable concentrations in Norfolk and Suffolk. They prefer coastal marshes, estuaries, and nearby agricultural land during the non-breeding season.
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Subarctic, Temperate
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Tundra Bean Geese are primarily herbivorous. They feed on a variety of plant matter, including grasses, sedges, and aquatic vegetation. During winter, they often forage in agricultural fields, consuming leftover grains and crops, beans and carrots seem to be favourites. Their strong bills are well-adapted for digging up roots and tubers.
In Korea, East China and Japan, rice paddies offer attractive foraging grounds. On their tundra breeding landscapes, some small mammals and insects, particularly midges and mosquitoes, may occasionally be eaten.
Tundra Bean Geese are highly social, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They exhibit a distinctive 'V' formation when flying long distances, which helps conserve energy.
On the ground, they forage methodically, walking in loose groups and communicating with soft honking calls.
The Tundra Bean Goose's call is a deep, resonant honking sound, often described as 'ung-unk' or 'ahng-ahng'. These vocalisations are frequently heard during flight and when flocks are settling or taking off.
In breeding areas, pairs may engage in duet calling, producing a rhythmic series of honks.
Tundra Bean Geese form monogamous pairs, often maintaining these bonds for multiple breeding seasons. They typically breed in the Arctic tundra from late May to early June.
Nests are built on the ground, usually near water bodies, and are constructed of plant material lined with down. Females lay 3-5 eggs, which are creamy white in colour.
Incubation lasts about 25-30 days, primarily carried out by the female while the male stands guard. Goslings are precocial and can leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching, fledging after approximately 40-45 days.
years
The Tundra Bean Goose typically lives for 7 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
While currently listed as Least Concern, Tundra Bean Geese face threats from habitat loss in their breeding and wintering grounds. Climate change impacts on Arctic tundra habitats are a growing concern.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wetland areas along their migration routes.
Global Population Estimate
Unknown
Global Population Trend
Eastern Bean Goose
Main predators include Arctic foxes, large gulls, and birds of prey such as eagles and skuas, particularly targeting eggs and young goslings.
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