Tundra Bean Goose Bird Facts (Anser 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

The Tundra Bean Goose is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Tundra Bean Goose is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Tundra Bean Goose can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Tundra Bean Goose is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Tundra Bean Goose is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Tundra Bean Goose is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Tundra Bean Goose can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Tundra Bean Goose is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Tundra Bean Goose can be found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Tundra Bean Goose is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Tundra Bean Goose is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Tundra Bean Goose is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

Breeding

Non-breeding

Distribution by Region

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Russia

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

China France Germany Italy Japan Poland South Korea The United Kingdom

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird 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 75

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 70

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 85

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 40

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 90

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.

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

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:

Anatidae

Average Lifespan

7 years

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?

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.