Tundra Bean Goose

Least Concern

Anser serrirostris

A hardy arctic traveler, this goose braves icy winds to journey across vast northern landscapes each year.

Visual Identification

Appearance

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.

Size

Length

66cm to 84cm

Wingspan

140cm to 174cm

Weight

1.9kg to 3.3kg

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

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.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Subarctic, Temperate

Distribution Map

© 2025 - Birdfact
Breeding
Non-breeding

Distribution by Region

Get Bird Updates in Your Inbox

Stay informed about Tundra Bean Goose and other fascinating birds, with expert bird watching tips, as well as relevant seasonal information.

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 70
Adaptability 85
Aggressiveness 40
Endurance 90

Diet

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.

Behaviour

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.

Vocalisation

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.

Nesting & Breeding

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 7 - years
0
1
1
2
2

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.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Unknown

Global Population Trend

Stable

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for large flocks in wetlands and agricultural fields during migration seasons
  • Observe the distinctive orange band on the bill to differentiate it from other goose species
  • Listen for their characteristic honking calls, especially in flight
  • In the UK, best spotted in eastern England during winter months

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Eastern Bean Goose

Family:

Anatidae

Predators

Main predators include Arctic foxes, large gulls, and birds of prey such as eagles and skuas, particularly targeting eggs and young goslings.

Did You Know?

  1. Tundra Bean Geese can fly at speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph) during migration.
  2. They have excellent memory, returning to the same breeding and wintering sites year after year.
  3. Their feet have adapted to be partially webbed, allowing them to walk efficiently on land and swim in water.

Was this bird profile helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve our content

Community Experience

Community Ratings

No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!

Ease of Spotting
0.0/5
Visual Appeal
0.0/5
Song Recognition
0.0/5

Latest Community Reviews

No reviews yet

Sign in to be the first to review