Tundra Bean Goose
Least ConcernAnser serrirostris
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Tundra Bean 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 Tundra Bean Goose demonstrates considerable agility, particularly in flight. Their ability to navigate long-distance migrations in V-formations and maintain speeds of up to 70 km/h showcases their aerial prowess. On land, they're less agile but still capable of efficient movement.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a large waterfowl, the Tundra Bean Goose possesses significant strength. Their robust build, weighing up to 3.3 kg with a wingspan of up to 174 cm, allows them to undertake demanding long-distance migrations and forage effectively, including digging for roots and tubers.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These geese exhibit high adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to temperate wetlands and agricultural fields. Their ability to switch between terrestrial and aquatic environments, coupled with their varied diet and excellent memory for returning to specific sites, demonstrates remarkable adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Tundra Bean Geese are not particularly aggressive birds. They're highly social, often seen in large flocks, which suggests a generally peaceful nature. However, males may display some aggression when guarding nests during breeding season, hence the moderate score.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The endurance of Tundra Bean Geese is impressive. Their long-distance migratory behaviour, flying from Arctic breeding grounds to temperate wintering areas, requires exceptional stamina. Additionally, their ability to thrive in harsh Arctic conditions during breeding season further attests to their high endurance.
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
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
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
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
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:
AnatidaePredators
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?
- Tundra 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.
- Their feet have adapted to be partially webbed, allowing them to walk efficiently on land and swim in water.
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