Greater White-fronted Goose Bird Details
Anser albifrons
Greater White-fronted Goose,White-fronted Goose, Specklebelly (in North America);
Safed-Mukhi Hans
Scopoli, 1769
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Anser
Appearance :
Medium to large-sized goose with brownish-gray plumage and distinctive white feathers around the base of the bill, giving it the "white-fronted" name. The belly has dark black or brown patches, especially in adults, known as speckling. The bill is pinkish or orange, and the legs and feet are bright orange. Juveniles lack the black belly patches and the white facial markings seen in adults.
Behaviour :
These geese are highly social, forming large flocks, especially outside the breeding season. They are strong fliers and excellent swimmers, but spend most of their time on land grazing or foraging. Known for their high-pitched vocalizations, often described as "laughing calls." Greater White-fronted Geese display cooperative behavior during migration, flying in V-formation and maintaining family bonds.
Habitat :
Breeding habitat belong to Tundra regions of the Arctic, often near lakes, rivers, and marshes. Winter habitat belongs to Wetlands, agricultural fields, and coastal marshes, where they forage for grains and plants.
Diet :
Herbivorous, feeding primarily on grasses, sedges, grains, seeds, and occasionally roots or aquatic vegetation. During winter, they forage in agricultural fields for crops like wheat, corn, and barley.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Greater White-fronted Goose breeds in the Arctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Siberia. During the winter, they migrate to warmer regions, including Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be around 2–3 million individuals.
Life Span :
The average lifespan in the wild is around 10 to 15 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Greater White-fronted Goose has a robust and moderately sized body, well adapted for both swimming and flying. It has a rounded body shape, which is typical for geese.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (lower leg) length ranges from 70 to 90 mm, allowing the bird to navigate wetlands and grassy fields effectively.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small and features a distinctive white patch at the base of the bill, which is the characteristic marking for this species. The head coloration is generally grayish-brown.
- Bill: The bill is short and thick, typically pinkish or orange with a darker tip.
- Bill Length: Approximately 40 to 50 mm
Length :
The overall body length ranges from 63 to 75 cm.
Neck :
The neck is of medium length, providing a good balance for foraging and grazing. The neck coloration is similar to the rest of the body, grayish-brown.
Size :
Medium-sized compared to other geese.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and wedge-shaped, with feathers that are grayish-brown.
- Tail Length: Tail length is approximately 130 to 150 mm.
- Feathers: The plumage is primarily brownish-gray with lighter underparts and distinctive dark patches on the belly. The wings have a darker coloration and white wing bars are visible during flight.
Weight :
The weight ranges from 2.5 to 3.6 kg.
Wing :
The wings are broad and powerful, designed for sustained flight. The wing shape facilitates strong, efficient flapping.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 140 to 175 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Greater White-fronted Goose has a small, rounded head with a white patch at the base of the bill, distinguishing it from other species.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Nests are usually built on the ground, often on elevated sites near water, such as dunes, islands, or raised areas to avoid flooding.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is constructed from grasses, sedges, and mosses, and is often lined with down feathers for insulation.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period typically occurs from May to July.
Nesting Season :
Nesting season begins in late April to early May.
Egg Color :
The eggs are generally greenish or buff in color.
Egg Length :
The eggs measure approximately 70 to 80 mm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs ranges from 45 to 55 mm.
- Egg Weight: The eggs weigh about 130 to 160 grams each.
Clutch Size :
The clutch size typically consists of 4 to 7 eggs
No. of Broods :
Generally, Greater White-fronted Geese produce one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 27 to 30 days.
Nestling Period :
Goslings are precocial and leave the nest within 24 hours after hatching. They fledge at around 6 to 8 weeks of age.
Vocalization :
They are known for their loud, honking calls. Their vocalizations are characterized by a variety of sounds, including high-pitched honks.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are generally slightly larger than females, but visual differences are minimal.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Greater White-fronted Geese are strong migratory birds, traveling between their breeding and wintering grounds. They often migrate in large flocks, forming V-shaped formations during flight.
- Migration Period:
- The migration occurs twice a year:
- Autumn Migration: From late September to November, when they head south to their wintering grounds.
- Spring Migration: From late March to early May, when they return to their breeding grounds.
- Migration Route:
- Breeding Grounds: They breed in the Arctic tundra of Alaska, Canada, and parts of northern Europe.
- Wintering Grounds: During winter, they migrate to southern Canada, the United States, Mexico, and parts of Western Europe.
