White-fronted Goose | Reserves and species

Scientific Name:

Anser albifrons

The White-fronted Goose is a common winter visitor, arriving from Greenland and Siberia at the end of October onwards and returning north again at the end of March. It eats roots, shoots, tubers and leaves, as well as grains and oats.

How to identify:

The White-fronted Goose is most easily distinguished from other geese by the white flash on its forehead, dark stripes on its belly and its orange legs. Oddly, Siberian birds have pink bills while Greenland birds have orange bills.

Where to find it:

Only found here in the winter. Birds that nest in Greenland spend the winter in Ireland and the west coast of Scotland, those from northern Europe and Siberia come to southern England for the winter.

How people can help:

Britain is an important stopover for many wintering migrant species, so it is vital that we protect the places they rely on. But the survival of our waterbirds is threatened by the loss and degradation of many of our wetland habitats. The Wildlife Trusts manage many wetland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.

Statistics:

Length: 65-76cm Wingspan: 1.4m Weight: 2.5kg Average Lifespan: 6 years

Conservation status:

Common.

Did you know?:

A group of geese is called a 'gaggle'. Over 26,000 White-fronted Geese overwinter in Britain; they can be seen in flocks or gaggles on our wetland and farmland habitats.

Seasons:

Spring

Autumn

Winter

When to see

Start date:

October

End date:

March

Image: